McIntosh, Esther ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1819-8353 and Jagger, Sharon ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3012-4755 (2023) The Construction of Safe Space: Empowerment and the Perception of Vulnerability at Anglican Foundation Universities in England. Journal of Gender Studies, 33 (5). pp. 711-724.

Preview

Text The construction of safe space empowerment and the perception of vulnerability at Anglican Foundation Universities in England.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (639kB) | Preview

Abstract

Young adults in university environments are increasingly exploring gender variant identities and challenging binary constructions. Knowledge about the lived experiences of trans and non-binary (TNB) young people in higher education, however, is partial. Our research into Anglican Foundation Universities (AFUs) in England begins to address this lacuna. In particular, chaplains may find themselves acting as a bridge between the equality, diversity and inclusivity policies of universities and the Anglican Church’s official rejection of both same-sex marriage and the writing of new liturgies for trans folk; this may be especially the case for queer students who have personal connections with the Christian faith. We argue there is need for deeper reflection on the notion of safe space and the cis-construction of TNB folk as vulnerable and we ask whether protection and vulnerability discourses create contradictions that undermine agency and positive visibility for TNB young people. This article adds to research in the field by bringing together religious and gendered identities at UK universities; it draws on interviews with TNB folk to explore experiences of chaplaincies and campus spaces.

Item Type:	Article
Status:	Published
DOI:	10.1080/09589236.2023.2186841
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BJ Ethics B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BR Christianity H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
School/Department:	School of Humanities
URI:	https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/7403

University Staff: Request a correction | RaY Editors: Update this record