In the context of growing uncertainty and anxiety surrounding trans inclusion, the University of Leicester’s Research Centre for Museums and Galleries (RCMG) – working with a team of legal scholars and experts in inclusion, equality and ethics – has developed comprehensive guidance to bring clarity, common sense, pragmatism and ethics to a debate that is too often distorted by misinformed, highly charged and polarised viewpoints.
In recent months, numerous cultural organisations have reached out to the University seeking guidance around trans inclusion, for example around how to build understanding and support with staff and stakeholders; how to ethically share trans stories from collections with visitors; and how to defend the organisation’s trans-inclusive commitment in the face of complaints and protests.
The guidance, intended primarily for anyone working with or in museums, galleries, archives and heritage, sets out an ethical framework to support cultural organisations to advance all aspects of trans inclusion. It explains key components of UK law, as well as some of the limitations and complexities of the law.
At the heart of the guidance is a comprehensive ethical framework that can be used and adapted by cultural organisations across the international cultural landscape. It explains how organisations can:
- develop trans-inclusive displays, events and public programming
- generate a trans-inclusive organisational culture
- provide a warm welcome to (and ensure the safety of) trans visitors
- work with trans communities to advance trans inclusion
Drawing on over 130 responses to a confidential survey inviting cultural organisations to share the challenges they were encountering in their daily work, the guidance also includes a series of scenarios with practical strategies and solutions designed to build skills, knowledge and confidence for anyone working in this area.
The development of the guidance was funded via the Economic and Social Research Council. It is freely available to download from the RCMG website:
