Support for our trans, non-binary, genderqueer or gender non-conforming students
The gender expression fund application for the 2025/26 academic year is now closed.
This year the fund has been able to support 24 students in accessing gender-affirming items, with the aim of fostering a sense of belonging and engagement at LUU for all of our community. Hopefully, the fund will run again in the 2026/27 academic year.
If you have any questions, please contact DemocracyAndCampaigns@luu.ac.uk
What is the Gender Expression Fund?
The Gender Expression Fund (GEF) is a Liberate LUU initiative that aims to make LUU more inclusive by supporting marginalised, underrepresented students.
Any trans, non-binary, genderqueer or gender non-conforming student of Leeds University Union that wants access to items that will help them feel more comfortable can apply to the GEF.
Whether it’s to combat gender dysphoria and/or support gender euphoria, we want our trans students to feel safe, valued, and celebrated.
The first GEF at LUU launched in 2024 and helped 34 successful applicants.
It was launched again last year with a further 37 applications and is being reopened to mark LGBTQ+ history month in 2026.
Previous awardees have indicated that the fund increased their sense of belonging and their confidence at university.
“I feel immensely grateful for the support that this fund offers, it reassures me that I’m welcome and accepted regardless of my gender expression.”
– Successful Applicant 2024.
“The fund has made me feel cared for – I was surprised to see a fund that was applicable to my needs. With the fund I bought makeup to help with my gender expression and since using the fund I have felt more confident to attend lectures and society events, which has benefited my student experience.”
– Successful Applicant, 2025
Accessing the fund
The maximum amount that can be applied for is £40, and can be used to pay for an item(s), in part or in full.
Please note that the fund is intended for physical items (see here) or minor cosmetic procedures (such as ear piercings or hair cuts) only.
We cannot fund medical procedures, therapy costs, hormone costs, transport to appointments, or contribute to savings/fundraisers for surgical procedures.
Within 10 days of the application being submitted, you will be contacted letting you know of the result of the application. We will then ask for further information on how to receive the funds through a UK bank transfer, if you have been selected on this occasion as an awardee.
STEP 1: Submit the application form.
Your application will be reviewed by the Equality and Liberation Officer, a Liberation Coordinator, and administrative support will be supplied by the Democracy and Liberation Assistant, no longer than 10 working days after the application close date.
Once your application has been reviewed, you will be informed of the outcome by email (up to 10 working days of the review) and asked to provide payment details.
Once we have received your payment details, we will pay you the amount applied for via BACS (bank transfer) in 5-10 business days.
Eligibility
You must be a registered student at the University of Leeds, and a member of LUU.
You must identify as either transgender, non-binary, intersex, genderqueer, gender-diverse or gender non-conforming.
You must be able to provide a clear outline of what you need from the fund, with some reasoning.
Your request must not exceed £40.
You must not plan to use the Fund to contribute to fundraisers, ‘GoFundMe’ pages or to give to others.
Applications are accessed on the basis of the following:
Meeting the eligibility criteria
Financial need
Impact the fund could have on the applicant’s sense of belonging and engagement at LUU
If you have any questions, please contact DemocracyAndCampaigns@luu.ac.uk
International Women’s Day
Poem by Lilly Butt
