LSE STUDENTS STAND UP
FOR THEIR MARGINALISED FELLOW STUDENTS
IN THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY
Established baby boomers at the LSE successfully managed to end membership with Stonewall, the organisation that stands for ALL within the LGBTQIA+ community. But the young generation at the LSE doesn't give up! Students voted to make Stonewall the LSE Student Union's "Raising and Giving" charity partner for 2023-24. Click here for more information.
The student group "Rejoin Stonewall" has won a 2023 Student Union Award
For more info take a look at the website the students designed: rejoin Stonewall

LSE students staged a massive silent walkout at an LSE public event about trans health care. Why?
  1. These LSE students were upset about the break with LSE tradition that one should not just present biased selectively chosen observations, especially not on such a sensitive topic.
  2. These LSE students were upset that no trans people were invited. If the topic would have been how pregnant women are treated in the workplace or by the NHS, then it would be a scandal if the LSE would stage a public event with only men participating. But when the topic is about trans people and the NHS, then it is apparently fine if only gender critical people participate. The excuse given during Q&A was that this was not about trans health care, it was a book launch. Hmmm? A book launch of a book about trans health care is not an event about trans health care?
  3. LSE students were upset that this event got explicit support from a member of the LSE council.
It is, of course, difficult for students to respond when their university/professors present views that they find personally painful. But a silent walkout is a respectful form of free speech and credit goes to the external speaker for recognising this. Those who find the student walkout problematic should ask themselves whether they support free speech and/or allowing the student voice to be heard.

After the walkout, there were not many people left in the room. Fortunately, some members of the LSE community stayed to expose the bias of the presentation during Q&A even though it was tough on their mental health. Revealing was how the speaker responded when it was pointed out that a majority of Tavistock clinicians had different views and was asked whether she had been cherry-picking evidence. The speaker (after denying that she had been cherry-picking) said "If people don't want to talk to me, then there isn't much I can do about that." Hmmm? Wonder why people with other views do not want to talk to this journalist. Unfortunately, the Q&A also made clear how such an event attracts those with anti-trans views. Interestingly, there was (once again) a strong correlation between views held and age.
  1. Flyer created and handed out by students:[pdf].
  2. More info: [podcast].
Pride 2023: Another superb Student Action and a Staff Protest On Saturday July 1st, brave caring students showed again their concern with LSE LGBTQIA+ policies. They dropped two massive banners with the message REJOIN STONEWALL and the banners actually stayed up until Monday morning. On the same day, Spectrum was part of Pride in London. And whereas virtually all other contingents were celebrating the inclusivity of their organisation, Spectrum was protesting. UCL walked in front of Spectrum and the two groups were uniform in their demands, calling out for LSE and UCL to rejoin Stonewall. The movie shows both the student action and a bit of staff on Pride day.