The document was presented by the Vice-Principal for Equality, Diversity and Sustainability, Elena Martínez, who has framed the initiative in the “respect for diversity”. An institutional presentation of the protocol was held at the Botanical Garden of the Universitat de València on June 26th.  And, the following day, a specific training for the staff of the secretariat of the faculties to incorporate the protocol into the enrolment procedure.

The approval of the document complies with the regulations in force and guarantees the right to self-determination of the identity and gender expression of persons who form part of the university community, especially those who, at university level, manifest a felt gender identity different from that the one assigned at the time of birth.

The Office of the Vice-Principal will also work to avoid discomfort and marginalisation of trans and intersex people.  A common case that can be found in the protocol is in the sport field, where “finding 'safe bathrooms' is a daily problem for trans and intersex people.”

“On the other hand, it is also necessary to think about those situations faced daily by people outside the Universitat, such as filling in a third party form, booking accommodation, arranging a trip or enjoying university services open to the general public: university extension courses, the Nau Gran or the Escola d'Estiu de la Nau”, the approved document states.

According to Elena Martinez, it is not only a legal issue, but the recognition and respect of diversity is a matter of human rights and social justice.

Members of the Lambda collective and experts from inside and outside the university have participated in the protocol elaboration process. The result the work and consensus of many people.

Consciously, the wording of this text has avoided restricting rights to identity and gender expression to the trans collective, and has been extended to all persons, including intersex persons.

The fact of accompanying the protocol with an explanatory report is innovative and useful to better understand the different realities of LGBT people, and in particular, that of trans and intersex people.

The trans sociologist Lucas Platero participated at the event planned for the Botanical Garden. The Office of the Vice-Principal highlighted that the awareness and formation in diversity of all the members of the university community is fundamental and will be one of the priority aspects to work on.