Student Parliament Ratifies Position Paper on Rights of Trans, Intersex, and Non-binary Individuals at the University

The Student Parliament has given its affirmation to a position paper presented by the Queer Unit, championing the rights of trans, intersex, and non-binary individuals. The paper strongly asserts the need for the university to facilitate an expedited and simplified name change process, introduce additional all-gender restrooms, and construct a centralized informational webpage.

The ensuing summary presents the primary tenets of the position paper. For a more thorough explanation and justification, it is advisable to delve into the six-page position paper.

The document draws attention to the systematic hindrances encountered by trans, intersex, and non-binary individuals at the University of Ulm. It proposes three tangible measures to promote inclusivity:

1. Implement a straightforward and accessible mechanism for an expedited and simplified name and gender status change, while keeping in mind the needs of international students.
2. Provision for all-gender restrooms and gender-neutral changing and showering facilities.
3. Establishment of an information page specifically for trans, intersex, and non-binary individuals on the university's website.

At present, the process for altering first names and gender status in Germany under the "Transsexuellengesetz" of 1980 (TSG, translation: transsexual law) is expensive, pathologizing, time-intensive, discriminatory, and frequently arbitrary. Parts of this law were deemed unconstitutional in 2011, yet reforms remain pending. Other German universities, including Stuttgart and Tübingen, have already initiated measures to facilitate expedited name changes (prior to an official change), thereby ameliorating the circumstances for those affected. Such regulations were considered legally sound by the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency for universities in 2016.

We implore the University of Ulm to emulate other universities by introducing an uncomplicated procedure for expedited name changes. Moreover, such alterations should be reflected across all internal and external services and permit email redirection.

In addition, we endorse the creation of all-gender restrooms and gender-neutral changing rooms and encourage the solidarity with and visibility of trans, intersex, and non-binary identities by the use of pronouns in email signatures, websites, and profiles. An informational hub for trans, intersex, and non-binary individuals at the University of Ulm should be established, aiming to make relevant data more accessible.

The Queer Unit, alongside the Student Executive Committee, is currently in the process of negotiating with the university. Given that all these demands have been met at several German universities, we maintain a sense of optimism and will, of course, inform you about any updates.