Brock University is reaching out to members of the transgender community in an effort to identify and address any roadblocks experienced on campus.

Through the institution’s Trans-Inclusion Project, which has been underway throughout the summer, a survey was recently released to gather input and feedback from gender diverse students, staff, faculty and community members willing to share their experiences.

The anonymous survey, run through Brock’s Human Rights and Equity Office, will be used to learn where improvements are needed so steps can be taken to increase accessibility and inclusivity on campus.

Consultation has also been underway this summer through various workshops and events, one-on-one meetings and outreach with local community groups, including Transgender Niagara.

The survey is one component of the University’s Trans-Inclusion Project, which aims to educate current and future members of the Brock community on how to be more trans-inclusive, while also helping transgender students to better navigate the services available on campus.

As the experiences of every member of the trans community are different, it’s crucial to gather feedback from individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds, said student project lead Jasper Fisher.

“A big element of the project is taking an intersectional approach to everything we’re analyzing and considering all perspectives,” he said. “The survey provides people with the opportunity to demonstrate what they need at Brock to make their experience easier, safer and more inclusive.”

The confidential survey includes a section where participants are able to indicate how they identify, which will assist with analyzing the responses.

While the Brock community is encouraged to participate, the survey is also open to members of the public who have had an experience while on Brock’s campus, at one of its facilities or while using its services.

“We will review the suggestions people make and create recommendations for implementation,” said Fisher, who is working alongside Max Hunter, the lead on Brock’s All-Gender Washroom Project.

Both members of the transgender community, Fisher and Hunter are working to develop online resources regarding trans-inclusion that people from across the University will be able to access this fall.

“It’s important to us that the resources are written by trans people,” said Fisher, a second-year Neuroscience student. “I find you need the experience of a trans person in order for these resources to be truly accurate.”

Hunter said the survey data and online resources are meant to lay a solid foundation for the next steps in creating a more inclusive environment on campus.

“It’s really important that this work is ongoing and adapted,” the recent Brock Dramatic Arts graduate said.

The deadline to complete the survey is Wednesday, Aug. 15.

Fisher said some questions within the document may trigger a negative emotional response and as a result, all questions are optional.

Anyone experiencing distress is encouraged to consider accessing Brock Personal Counselling Services, Trans Lifeline peer support services or the LGBT Youthline.

The survey is available online.