| As we wrote in October 2021, as socialists and trade unionists, UCU Left firmly believe we must stand with our most marginalised and oppressed colleagues, comrades, and members of our communities. We oppose all forms of oppression, discrimination and hate crime. Our trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming siblings and comrades are valued, and we continue to defend and stand in solidarity with them. We do this in our organising work through UCU Left – for example holding open meetings on tackling transphobia on campus – in our branches, and in the elected positions our members hold. In 2021, I was elected to the NEC as LGBT+ Rep for members in Higher Education as part of the UCU Left slate, and I am the current Chair of the LGBT+ Members Standing Committee. I am the first non-binary person to hold this NEC role in our union, and the second trans person, following Laura Miles who was FE LGBT+ rep 2009-2017 and was also a UCU Left member. I am proud of the work done by UCU Left members to improve the visibility of trans women in our union through the roles they have undertaken, and I’m proud to continue to work with UCU Left to develop policy and practice that defends and supports all our members. This is why I wholeheartedly endorse the UCU Left candidates for the UCU’s NEC elections. Our candidates work hard to uphold equality and support our diverse membership. I have personally experienced their principled solidarity and staunch opposition to transphobia, and know they will continue to support me and other trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming members into the future. If you would like to read more about UCU Left’s statements in support of our trans siblings you can do so at the links below. Bee Hughes (they/them/theirs) UCU Left member, and current NEC rep for LGBT+ members in HE Solidarity with trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming people The Fight for Trans Rights |