The Gender Expression Fund (GEF)

Written in collaboration with LGBT+ Group

Aim of the fund: 

Changing or exploring gender presentation can come with significant costs. The Gender Expression Fund is open to all students who need financial support to feel more comfortable in their gender expression or presentation. These costs may particularly affect trans, intersex and gender-diverse students and can include both one-off and recurring expenses. They may arise at any point during the year and can place students at a financial disadvantage

Parents/other forms of financial backing may not cover these often out-of-budget costs.

Eligibility:

  • Open to all current students, including students on academic suspension or placement. This includes, but is not limited to, Transgender, Intersex, Questioning, Non-binary and other gender diverse students.

Budget:

  • Each student can apply for up to £75 per cycle – two cycles per academic year.
  • While we aim to support as many students as possible, limited funds mean that we may not always be able to provide the full amount requested, even if the application is for less than the £75 funding limit
  • If there are extraordinary circumstances, funding up to double the base limit can be given out upon consensus between the Gender Identities Lead and SU.
  • Students apply for the fund to either purchase a new item through the SU or for reimbursement if an eligible item has already been purchased.
  • You can apply for reimbursement for items or services purchased within the last year, provided you bought them while you were a University of Bath student (including on placement or academic suspension) or within the two months before you first enrolled. Please note that funding is not guaranteed, and successful applicants may receive less than the full amount requested.

The cycle process:

  • Two cycles per academic year
  • First round commences mid-semester one. A timeline and dates for semester one include:
    • 9th November – 23rd November 2026: Application window.
    • 24th November – 27th November 2026: Gender Identities Lead and Community Officer will meet to review applications.
    • December 2026- January 2027: Reimbursements/purchases through The SU are carried out

Applications submitted outside of the cycle will be reviewed; however, for a prompt response, please apply during the application period. 

How to Apply

Students wishing to apply need to complete a quick form before the deadline. Application Form.

Shortly after the deadline, a meeting between the community officer, Gender Identities Lead, and SU staff member to anonymously review new applications.

For purchasing through the SU

  1. You will be informed if your application was successful.  
  2. Your requested item can then be ordered. 
  3. Arrangements will then be made for pick up or delivery of this item. 

For a reimbursement application:

  1. You will be informed if your application was successful and how much you will be reimbursed. 
  2. We will then ask you to provide your bank details where you would like the money to be paid out to. 
  3. Payment will then be made directly into this account through finance. 

 

Eligible items

What is covered (non-exhaustive list)

  • Clothing
  • STPs (Stand-to-pee Device)
  • Gender Affirming care (e.g. voice therapy)
  • Specialist clothing (e.g. Binders, gaffs)
  • Toiletries/cosmetics
  • Hair products
  • Procedural documents (e.g. ID updates)
  • Minor cosmetic services (e.g. haircuts)

What will NOT be covered:

  • Private health care
  • Medicines/prescriptions
  • Fundraisers

We may ask for anonymous feedback on the process on ways to improve and impact the money. All suggestions will be openly discussed with the Gender Identities Lead, Community Officer, and SU.

Disclaimers

Applications received during the two-week application period will be reviewed together to allow funding to be allocated fairly, considering individual circumstances and financial need.

Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee funding. Depending on available funds and the applications received, successful applicants may be awarded the full amount requested, a partial amount, or no funding.