Trans and gender-diverse people have different ways of sharing their gender status, says Pierre Brouard, Deputy Director of UP’s Centre for Sexualities, AIDS and Gender. Some might share it at a later stage during, for example, transitioning. Others may prefer not to share it at all. Whereas others might want to share it more formally with their department.

As a trans or gender-diverse person, you need to take the lead in what is comfortable for you, Brouard advises. “A lot rests on the climate that’s been created in the first place: if it’s open and inclusive, and work has been done on gender and identity, then the ground has been laid for someone to feel safer to come out.

“We suggest telling a few key people at first, then depending on your wishes, a carefully worded email can be sent to staff advising them of your name, title and pronouns. Support from a head of department/director should be stated upfront, and indications of a zero-tolerance approach to stigma and discrimination should be stated.”