Statement affirming the rights of trans and non-binary people

Bristol University Press (BUP) is committed to creating and sustaining a positive and supportive working environment for our staff and publishing partners, where all are equally valued and respected, and encouraged to thrive. Gender identity, gender expression, and trans status will not exclude staff from employment or promotion or cause staff to be redeployed against their wishes and will not exclude publishing partners from working with or being published by BUP. 

We will provide a supportive environment for staff and publishing partners who wish their trans identity to be known. It is the right of the individual to choose whether they wish to be open about their trans identity, trans history, or trans status. As a publisher committed to positive social change, we value the diversity of our staff and publishing partners and are committed to creating a culture that is inclusive of trans and non-binary members of our academic community, where discrimination (including on social media) is not tolerated and where individuals are able to reach their full potential.  

BUP will not discriminate against people on the grounds of their gender identity, gender expression, trans identity, trans history, or trans status. BUP recognises that to ‘out’ someone, ie to reveal a person’s trans identity, history, or status, without their consent, is a form of harassment. Trans and non-binary related abuse, harassment, hate speech, intentional misgendering, deadnaming, or bullying (eg name-calling/derogatory jokes, unacceptable or unwanted behaviour, intrusive questions), written or spoken, are discrimination.  

The University of Bristol has a Freedom of Speech Policy to ensure the exercise of freedom of speech does not amount to unlawful harassment. We recognise differing views to this statement, and our published work, exist and may be expressed freely in line with the Freedom of Speech Policy and Article 10 of the Human Rights Act 1998.  

As a social science publisher with a mission to support positive social change, it is also important that we publish on the topics of gender identity, gender inequalities including health inequalities, and care across the lifespan. We are proud to publish a range of high-quality peer reviewed research in this area and welcome further proposals for new work.