Thursday 18-06-2020 - 08:52

 

I came to UWTSD in September 2016, from an English market town called Newark-on-Trent. At this point, I was not out as transgender but I was experimenting with my gender identity behind closed doors.

 

Back at home, I didn't have much confidence in my gender identity and was so fearful of going out in public as the real me. However, after my first term at university, I started to build up my confidence with help from the LGBT+ community. I was able to present the real me, most of the time, but this didn't include lectures or Wind Street [A street of bars and clubs in Swansea]. The first time I revealed the real me in public was when I went to watch a 6 Nations match at the campus bar; I particularly remember the walk up a steep hill in 6-inch heels! The campus bar was a kind and supportive place, and it helped me feel comfortable and more confident. In the future, I wore flats for the walk...most of the time.

 

Then year two of University came around, and after an awful summer with my gender dysphoria, I decided to take steps towards living in Swansea full-time. Even though I received support from the LGBT+ society and the Head of School, I felt nervous about returning to class, as my peers knew me as a man. However, the support I got from my classmates and lecturers was good, and it helped to affirm my gender identity, people even called me by my prefered name.

 

I started going out and making new friends and connections, which helped to build up my confidence. I even started using the bathroom for the gender I identified as; which to this day was the most confirming, but also nerve-wracking, things I've done. It was during this year that I nominated myself for Trans Officer, and was elected! The Students' Union listed me as Jennifer - which was my preferred name - I remember feeling proud and happy.

 

My third year of University was one of my most successful years in regards to my social transition; I was a Part-time Officer for the Students' Union, I had support systems in place and I even attended my first Pride. The highlight of this year was when I legally changed my name to Jennifer Autumn Sapphire Sargisson on deed poll. This was one of my happiest moments, and receiving a student card with my new name on it made it even better.

 

Whilst all these good things were happening and I felt comfortable with being myself on campus and in Swansea, back at home, I was still pretending to be someone else; my family wanted me to focus on my studies and instead of my transition - this was a bit of a rocky time for me and my family.

 

My first Pride experience was brilliant. It was welcoming and I felt that I belonged. Whilst there were some transphobic protestors, they didn't tarnish the event - there was a great atmosphere and it was great being with like-minded people and allies.

 

I did hit a bump in the road with my transition. Over the summer I went to the Nottingham Centre for Transgender Health; they confirmed that I should start my hormone replacement therapy. However, some healthcare changes in Wales made it difficult for me to access the hormones I needed. However, with support from the University, I was able to start my treatment through the NHS.

 

I would like to thank the University, teachers, classmates and the SU for making my time at UWTSD amazing and allowing me to feel safe enough to transition.

 

Jennifer Autumn Sapphire Sargisson
LGBT+ Officer (Women's Space)