University develops guidance on trans-inclusive practice for museums

The Research Centre for Museums and Galleries (RCMG) at the University of Leicester is developing guidance on trans-inclusive practice in museums, galleries and heritage organisations.

To ensure that the advice is as useful as possible across the sector, RCMG is asking cultural organisations to complete a confidential survey detailing the challenges they are experiencing and any issues they would like the guidance to cover.

The work aims to help organisations advance their commitments to greater equality and inclusion by offering clear advise and support.

“Although more and more museums, galleries and heritage organisations are keen to develop their trans-inclusive practice – to work with communities to improve representation, to welcome trans visitors and support trans colleagues – recent months have seen increasing uncertainty and sometimes anxiety about how to take this forward,” said Richard Sandell, Co-Director of the RCMG.

“The guidance we are developing will support organisations to be ambitious and confident in their work to advance trans-inclusion and equality.”

The guidance will be developed with legal scholars from the University of Edinburgh and is set to be issued this summer.

It will include an ethical framework to guide work that seeks to advance equality for trans staff and visitors as well as guiding organisations in how to foster approaches that increase public understanding and support for trans inclusion.