Photo credit: Hannah Protheroe
Trans lives have unfortunately been portrayed negatively as a topic of discussion in the media for a long time. 2024 was no exception, with attacks from politicians hurled at them; trans people describe themselves as being used as a political football.
The Cass report coming out this year created an increased hostile environment towards trans people in the UK. With many people feeling like their existence wasn’t acknowledged.
This is why community groups like Falmouth Trans Collective, run by Leo and Andi. Who are 3rd-year university students at Falmouth University – are critical. Giving trans and non-binary people a place to feel safe and comfortable without their existence being questioned.
The founders of this group wanted to carve out their community in Falmouth as there was a lack of support in the area.
Support groups have become more common within universities, however, the support once leaving education is minimal. This is one of the reasons why Falmouth Trans Collective is separate. It bridges the gap and gives trans people a place to go for support, no matter their age.
The group have been holding many events since being founded with the intention of doing two things a month: One drinking and another political. Allowing people to choose what suits them best.
Many of the events are held at St Gluvias Hall. Which is a spacious community hall in Penryn, easily accessible by train or bus. It is a neutral place which feels homely as it’s used by so many different communities.
Recent events in this space, have been a showing of the Muppet’s A Christmas Carol with an ugly sweater competition. And in October, a showing of Rocky Horror Picture Show with nearly 100 people attending.
The showing of Rocky Horror (Photo credit: Hannah Protheroe)
Trans people are often expected to be political, which is tiring. So events like these are great as it’s a social space where people are aware of your true identity whilst you’re being able to feel safe and respected.
However, the group do get involved with more political things. Ignoring the news about trans lives is a privilege a lot of trans people don’t have.
Committee members at the trans day of Remembrance vigil (photo credit: Emma Phillips)
For the 25th anniversary of the Trans Day of Remembrance, Falmouth trans collective and other groups, including T.G.I.F, Blooom and Radical Pride, held a banner-making session and a vigil in the centre of Falmouth.
People were able to make banners with whatever emotions they wanted to express, whether that was sad, angry, or beautiful when coming together to remember the lives lost due to anti-transgender violence and standing up together as a collective.
On the day of the vigil, people shared their stories and brought candles to remember the lives lost, with a silence at the end. Over 50 people attended, showing how strong the community is.
photo credits: May Angelini
Since they are a protest group, it means that they are also disruptive. This is another way to get attention and get people to listen. The group have taken part in many protests, including an emergency protest in Truro in December to fight against the UK government’s choice to indefinitely extend the ban on puberty blockers for trans youth.
protest in Truro (photo credit: Alex Thornton)
Falmouth Trans Collective have also organised Queer Gym time, which runs every week up on the University campus. This provides people with a more relaxed and less busy period to exercise.
The group runs many different types of events with something for everyone, showing the efforts to be there for the Trans community in Falmouth.
This doesn’t just stop there the committee have also met with high bodies, including the University and Cornwall Council, to fight for more rights for trans people. Being a voice for those who can’t or don’t want to do it themselves.
In the future, Andi and Leo want to continue to grow this community, giving Trans and non-binary people a place in Falmouth where they can feel safe and respected for who they are.
The expectation for queer and trans people to stand up for themselves is tiring, and that’s why groups like Falmouth Trans Collective exist to offer support.
overall, they are a place to build a community and a social space that is accepting and loving.
“Nothing is just students or local. Everyone needs to come
together and that’s what queerness is”
Andi – Falmouth Trans Collective committee
@faltranscollective on Instagram to hear about their latest events and/or support