Exeter Students’ Guild have been working with a student-led group (Gender Expression Fund Exeter) to create a non-means tested fund to support the needs of our trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming students.
Applications must be submitted before 09.00 1 June2026.
What does the Gender Expression Fund cover?
The fund can be used to purchase gender-affirming products which might not be readily available to you, or are a considerable additional cost.
This can include (but is not limited to) gender-affirming clothes (including sportswear and underwear), chest binders, packers, wigs, makeup/ nail polish, books on relevant topics, and transport to medical /therapy appointments.
If you have any questions about this, please get in touch.
How does the Gender Expression Fund work?
We want the fund to be as accessible as possible, this means there are two routes you can access it.
Route 1- The Guild reimburses you
This route usually works out quicker, however you have to pay the amount up-front and the Guild will pay you back after.
- Step One: Complete the application form. Make sure to give all the details required.
- Step Two: Your application will be reviewed by a member of the team. We check your eligibility and whether what you’re asking for is within the scope of the fund. We aim to do this 5 working days (in term time).
- Step Three: If successful, we will email you to let you know this and how you can be reimbursed. You can now make your purchase. Or, we might be in touch if we need more information.
- Step Four: Having ordered your items, you submit the reimbursement form along with proof of purchase (e.g. a receipt). In some cases we might ask you for some more information.
- Step Five: Once we’ve received the reimbursement details, the Guild’s Finance Team will process the payment to you. This can take a week.
Route 2- The Guild orders for you
With this route, you won’t be out of pocket as the Guild pays up front for you, however getting your items to you might take slightly longer.
- Step One: Complete the application form. Make sure to give all the details required.
- Step Two: Your application will be reviewed by a member of the team. We check your eligibility and whether what you’re asking for is within the scope of the fund. We aim to do this 5 working days (in term time).
- Step Three: If successful, we will let you know and we will proceed and purchase your items. However, this might be delayed if we need more information from you.
- Step Four: Once your items have been delivered to the Guild, we will email you to let you know you can collect your items from the Guild reception (first floor, Devonshire House).
Items not collected after 1 month, and if we’ve not heard from you, might be re-allocated to someone else and you might need to resubmit your application.
Who is eligible for the Gender Expression Fund?
To be eligible for the fund, you need to be:
- Enrolled as a current student at the University of Exeter. You can be an undergraduate, PGT, PGR, or a degree apprentice.
- Enrolled on a Devon-based course (If you're at a Cornwall course, you can apply to The SU's fund here).
- Identify as trans, non-binary, intersex, gender diverse, or gender non-conforming. For binders (and similar items) you also need to be over 18-years old.
- Have not used the full allocated amount before (or you are experiencing exceptional circumstances)
If you have any questions about the eligibility, please get in touch.
How much is available through the Fund?
The total amount that can be granted to a student per year is £80. This can be used across multiple applications (although we’d encourage you to make your all your requests in one application). For Route 1, you must be able to provide proof of purchase, such as an itemised receipt, in order for us to reimburse you. If the total cost of your application (including shipping, postage, taxes, etc.) exceeds £80 the Guild will reimburse you up to the grant limit. Therefore, in this situation you need to use Route 1. In exceptional circumstances, and at the Guild’s discretion on a case-by-case basis, additional grants can be given.
The Guild has designated a total of £4000 for this fund in 2025/26.
Want to give feedback on the Gender Expression Fund?
We want this scheme to be accessible to all students who need it. Let us know if there are improvements we could make that would benefit you.
FAQs
Who will process my application?
A dedicated member of the student staff reception team will process your application with oversight from the Community Empowerment Team. The Guild’s Finance Team will process the payments / reimbursements.
All applications will be treated sensitively and any information provided will remain confidential in line with our Privacy Policy.
Why do you want to know why I'm applying?
We are collecting this to help ensure we can continue to fund this longer term - it is an optional question and does not impact your application.
When will my application be processed?
Applications are only processed and updated once a week in term time. Depending on the capacity of the team, and the number of applications we receive, sometimes this will take longer. To reduce the amount of time it takes, please remember to include all relevant information in your application.
If you have not heard from us in a couple of weeks please do get in touch communities@exeterguild.com
What about binders?
Some trans and gender non-conforming people choose to use chest binders (and similar) as part of how they present themselves. If you are thinking about using a chest binder, it’s important that you research for yourself about the options available. You need to understand the potential health risks (particularly if done incorrectly) and how to safely use a chest binder to help you make your decision.
To get you started, here are a few resources:
- Patient Info
- Youth Cymru
- Spectrum Outfitters
- AKT
- The Rainbow Project
If in doubt, or if you’re experiencing health implications, stop using the chest binder and seek medical advice.
What other support is available for students who identify as trans, non-binary, intersex, gender diverse, or gender non-conforming?
Whether or not you’re eligible for the fund, or have used your full grant, there are other support options available to you. There’s campus-based communities for LGBTQ+ Students, the Trans and Non-Binary Café, and local charities such as Intercom Trust. You might also want to consider applying for the University’s Success for All Fund.