What is the fund?  

The Gender Expression Fund exists to support trans, non-binary and gender‑diverse students at Leeds Beckett University to access items and services that help them express their gender in ways that feel affirming, safe and authentic. 

We know that gender‑affirming items and appointments can be expensive, and that not all students have the financial means or support at home to access them. This fund is designed to help reduce those barriers and support students’ wellbeing, confidence and sense of belonging while studying at LBU. 

The fund is led by the LGBTQ+ Students’ Community and supported by Leeds Beckett Students’ Union. Applications are reviewed with care, confidentiality and respect by a small panel of students and Students’ Union staff. 
 

Who is eligible to apply? 

You can apply to the Gender Expression Fund if you meet all of the following criteria: 

• You are a currently registered student at Leeds Beckett University 

• You self‑identify as trans, non-binary, intersex, genderqueer, gender‑diverse or gender non‑conforming 
  (You do not need to provide evidence or explain your identity.) 

• You are able to provide a clear outline of what you are applying for, and a brief explanation of how receiving the fund would support you 

• Your request does not exceed £50 
  (We can fund items wholly or partially, up to a maximum value of £50 per student.) 

• You do not plan to use the fund to:  

• contribute to fundraisers or crowdfunding pages (e.g. GoFundMe) 

• purchase items or services for other people 

• contribute towards medical treatment (such as hormone therapy or surgical procedures) or to fund private counselling/therapy. 

Decisions on approving funding are based on the above criteria, and are prioritised on a first-come-first-serve basis until the fund is spent.  

What can the fund be used for?  

The Gender Expression Fund is intended to support gender‑affirming items and minor cosmetic appointments. 

Examples of what the fund can be used for include: 

• Clothing and shoes 

• Makeup and beauty products 

• Binders, packers, breast forms, bras or shapewear 

• Wigs or hair pieces 

• Minor cosmetic appointments, such as:  

• haircuts 

• ear piercings 

This list is not exhaustive - if you’re unsure whether something is eligible, you’re welcome to ask by contacting us at communityorganising@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.  

How do you apply and next steps?  

1. Complete the online application form by Friday 12 June 2026 

You’ll be asked about: 

• what you’re applying for 

• how receiving the fund would support you 

• any relevant context you’d like the panel to consider 
  (There is no expectation to share more than you feel comfortable with.) 

2. Applications are reviewed in June 

A small panel made up of an LGBTQ+ student representative & Students’ Union Community Support staff member will review applications with care, confidentiality and respect. 

3. Decision and payment 

• You’ll be contacted after the panel has met. 

• If approved, payment will be arranged through the Students’ Union finance process, by the end of June.  

• Funding may be awarded in full or in part, depending on need and available budget. 

Confidentiality and privacy 

• Your application will only be seen by the small review panel 

• Your information will not be shared outside the Students’ Union 

• Applying will not “out” you to the University, your course, or your family 

• You do not need to provide evidence of your gender identity 
  
   

Fair and careful use of the fund 

• The fund has a limited budget, so we aim to support as many students as possible, on a first-come, first-served basis. 

• Applicants who have previously received funding may still apply, but this will be considered alongside overall demand 

• If there is remaining funding at the end of the academic year, it may be distributed among applicants to maximise impact 
  
   

Where to find further support 

If you’d like additional support alongside or instead of applying to the fund, you may find the following helpful: 

• LGBTQ+ Students’ Community 
  Connect with other LGBTQ+ students, attend events and access peer support. https://www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/society/lgbtqatlbu/  

• Leeds Beckett Students’ Union Advice Service - Confidential & non-judgemental.  

The service is independent from the University and offers advice on a wide variety of topics that might affect you during your time at University including academic regulations, policies and procedures and housing. https://www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/advice/ 

• LBSU Equality Mental Health Hub – with helpful links to external services that may be able to support you with mental health matters. https://www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/advice/equality-mental-health-hub/  

• LBU wellbeing support - Student Wellbeing is here to support you with a wide range of concerns and can also help connect you with other useful services and resources. 

https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/student-wellbeing/  
 

If you’re unsure whether the Gender Expression Fund is right for you, or you’d like help with your application, you’re welcome to contact the Students’ Union for a confidential conversation by emailing communityorganising@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.