By Kani Abdullah
Maria Pollard welcomed all attendees at the 2025 AGM of Cardiff Students’ Union. This year marks 50 years since the doors of the current building opened, Daniel Palmer CEO of the Union, stated. Many students expressed that Cardiff University is a community-like university for diverse groups of people. However, issues such as sexual violence, equality, pro-choice, freedom of speech and transphobia are very much still alive, said many attending students.
The AGM took place on November 20th, Transgender Day of Remembrance. Even though the Union is committed to diversity, equality and inclusion, trans students express that there is a barrier for them on campus that affects their wellbeing and access to facilities and opportunities.
During the AGM, those for the motion stated that Transgender Remembrance Day is a day where we remember the hate and prejudice against trans people. They continued with their speech declaring that trans people have faced increased hostility and that trans students deserve a university and a union that stands with them.
The motion stated, “AGM believes that Trans rights are human rights”. It continued stating that “regardless of gender, every student and staff member deserves to feel safe, supported, respected, and represented in a university environment”. Support for the motion was so strong that it sparked a standing ovation even before the vote concluded. A second ovation erupted once the outcome was confirmed. However, one sole dissenting voter, who requested anonymity, opposed the motion.
On the stage, the dissenting voter stated that they were speaking on behalf of many people and acknowledged that, while it was difficult to share, they felt compelled to do so. They stated that their sibling’s transition has been a source of personal difficulty, including PTSD. Addressing the audience, the anonymous voter explained that their reaction was shaped by fear arising from the experience. They concluded that they have been hoping for the past 10 years to get this heavy weight off their back and hopes for freedom.
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