After two years, Academic Pride has become a tradition. Chalmers and the University of Gothenburg jointly organise knowledge-sharing activities that highlight the working and study environments of LGBTQIA individuals in academia from various perspectives. This year’s theme focused on transgender people.
There is still a widespread need for more knowledge in order to understand the experiences of trans individuals and to ensure they are treated with equality and respect, both in education and in professional life. This year’s Academic Pride offered both evidence-based information and emotional insights, along with inspiration and practical tools for creating inclusive environments where everyone can be themselves.
Research provides knowledge – but more is needed
Susanna Young Håkansson, an analyst at the Swedish Secretariat for Gender Research at the University of Gothenburg, presented the report “Trans People’s Working Life Conditions in the Nordic Region”, published by the Nordic Council of Ministers. The findings painted a rather bleak picture. Trans people face worse working conditions than the general population, both in the Nordic countries and internationally. Unemployment rates are twice as high, and a greater proportion have low incomes and insecure employment, often below their level of education. Discrimination during recruitment and harassment in the workplace are common. Many trans individuals report that physical or mental illness creates barriers in life and in the labour market, with young people being particularly vulnerable.
However, there are also positive developments and ways to improve trans people's circumstances.
“Research also shows that it is possible to create a supportive organisational culture,” says Susanna Young Håkansson. “Managers, HR departments and trade union representatives have a particularly important role in treating trans individuals professionally, through active measures and increased awareness. For instance, never assume someone’s gender identity or sexual orientation.”
A journey across gender boundaries
Someone with firsthand experience of the reactions trans people face is William, an engineer graduated from Chalmers. Today, he lectures alongside his work as a project manager in the construction industry while navigating family life as a parent to young children. Behind him is a journey from female to male.
“I was a girl who played football and hung out with the boys in the neigbourhood. Puberty was a crisis for me – my body changed in ways that made me no longer look like the boy I felt like inside. Others saw and treated me as someone I was not. My outer appearance and inner identity didn’t match, and I suffered greatly. So, once I came of age, I began gender-affirming treatment.”
William’s personal story is both fascinating and deeply moving, and he willingly shares it with those embarking on similar journeys, as well as others who seek understanding.
“I often find that my story evokes empathy,” says William. “We need to see the person, rather than fall back on stereotypes about how someone ‘should be’ based on the gender we think they are. I have come to realise that when fear is replaced by curiosity, we make real progress. We need to respect each other’s right to be different and work to create safe, inclusive environments.”
“When people around me finally saw and treated me as the person I felt like inside – it was as if I finally existed for real!”
Founded on the principle of equal value
“A lack of knowledge about the realities of trans people can, consciously or unconsciously, lead to unacceptable behaviours in our workplaces or study environments,” says Maria Elmquist, Deputy President with responsibility for leadership and equality at Chalmers. “Working proactively against discrimination is a legal requirement and aligns with our stated goals of inclusion and equality.”
One measure that Chalmers is now implementing is activating the feature in Microsoft 365, which enables students and employees who wish to do so to display their preferred pronouns in their profile. For individuals whose pronouns are not immediately apparent from their name or appearance, this can be of great significance.
After Academic Pride, soon time for West Pride
“Academic Pride is an important platform for spreading knowledge and reaffirming our commitments," says Maria Elmquist. “I am pleased that, together with the University of Gothenburg, we can join forces on these vital issues and stand up for our humanistic core values. It’s great to see such strong interest and engagement, and next year I hope for even greater participation.”
Academic Pride is organised in collaboration with West Pride. On 14 June, there will once again be an opportunity to take part in the annual parade under the Chalmers banner. Keep an eye out for more information as West Pride, running from 9 to 15 June, approaches.