a:gender
What is a:gender ?
a:gender is the support
network for staff in government departments/
agencies who have changed or need to change
permanently their perceived gender, or who
identify as intersex.
a:gender’s aims are:
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To provide confidential and mutual support
within a safe environment for members to
share experiences of working in Government
Departments/Agencies and associated
Departments /Offices.
To increase knowledge of issues affecting
transsexual/transgender staff, and staff who
identify as intersex.
To work towards the eradication of individual
and institutionalised transphobia.
To provide consultation to, and to raise
concerns with, senior managers.
To offer advice on issues relating to
transsexual/transgender staff, and staff who
identify as intersex, to meetings, induction
projects, training, etc..
To work towards consistent best practise of
treatment and benefits for
transsexual/transgender and intersex staff.
To support compliance with the Public Sector
Duty across the Civil Service by helping to
identify discrimination against, and
harassment of, transsexual people, both as
employees and as service users, and to assist
constructively in the reduction and, where
possible, elimination of these adverse impacts.
Why have a separate network?
The numbers of TS/TG staff in individual
departments are relatively small and some LGB
networks in the civil service will not support TS/TG
staff who identify as heterosexual, the issue being
one of gender identity and not sexual orientation.
This can reinforce feelings of isolation and
exclusion.
We therefore decided to form a network that
embraced TS/TG and intersex staff across the
whole civil service, and its agencies and
associated departments/offices.
What are our priorities?
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To establish a:gender as a respected
source of advice and information that
Departments can draw on, when needed.
To provide advice and information on the
Gender Recognition Act.
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To liaise between government departments
and the 'external' providers of support for
TS/TG/intersex people (eg. Press For Change,
Gender Trust).
To provide advice and support for staff who
are being harassed and discriminated against
in the workplace.
To hold regular meetings and local contact
points for staff who are transitioning, have
transitioned, or are about to transition.
Who can join a:gender ?
All of you, of course! We have 4 types of
membership on offer:
► Full members:
o Staff in Government Departments/Agencies
who have permanently changed their
perceived gender, or who have informed their
manager/HR department that they are about
to begin or are in the process of permanently
changing their perceived gender, or who
identify as intersex.
► Associate members:
o Staff in Government Departments/Agencies
who have declared the need for a permanent
change of perceived gender, but have not yet
decided to begin the process of transition.
► Friends:
o Any member of the Civil Service who wishes
to support the aims and objectives of the
a:gender network
► Affiliated Members:
o Staff in Government Departments/Agencies
on current contracts and appropriate non
Government Departmental Bodies can apply
for affiliated membership of a:gender.
Membership shall only be granted following a
meeting and vote of approval by the Elected
Steering Group.
…and it's free to join!
If you are interested in joining a:gender
or require further information, please contact:
a:gender
5th Floor, Vulcan House/Steel
Millsands
Sheffield, S3 8NU
Email: agender@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
Website: www.agender.org.uk
a:gender
Membership Application Form
a:gender is the support network for staff in government departments/agencies
who have changed or need to change permanently their perceived gender, or who
identify as intersex.
Personal information:
Name …………………………………..………………………………… Gender ……………….....……
Office ………………………………………………. Location …………………………….………………
Tel. No. (optional) ………………………
Signature ………………………………………………………
I would like to join the a:gender network as a:
FULL MEMBER:
Are you 'out' about your
gender identity at work?
yes  no
ASSOCIATE MEMBER :
You must identify as transsexual or transgender in that you have
permanently changed your perceived gender or have informed your
manager/HR Department that you are about to do so, or identify as
intersex.
You must have declared the need for a permanent change of
perceived gender, but have not yet decided to begin the process of
transition.
If you do not identify within the above two ‘categories’, but wish to
support the aims and objectives of a:gender.
AFFILIATED MEMBERS
Staff in Government Departments/Agencies on current contracts and
appropriate non Government Departmental Bodies can apply for
affiliated membership of a:gender. Membership shall only be granted
following a meeting and vote of approval by the Elected Steering
Group.
Please add me to the mailing list and send a:gender information and messages to me:
 By email *
At my work address: ……………………………………………………………………………
OR At the following address: ……………………………………………………………………………
All emails will be blind copied so that only a:gender officials will know your details.
Either print and return this copy of this form to:
a:gender, 5th Floor, Vulcan House/Steel, Millsands, Sheffield S3 8NU
or send it in electronic format to: agender@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
Further information is available from
agender@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
agender flyer mem. app v6.3.doc
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