Elliot Evans

I am a Lecturer in the Department of Modern Languages and run modules on the Masters programme in Sexuality & Gender Studies. My research interests are around the reception of queer theory in France, and more broadly on sexuality and gender identity, particularly transphobia and psychoanalysis in France.

I chose to come to Birmingham because the Department of Modern Languages, in particular, has fantastic expertise in sexuality and gender. I am continually grateful for the research environment and discussions provided by my colleagues.

I identify as trans, non-binary, queer. I discovered more about my sexuality and gender identity through studying at University: finding all these magical books in the University library allowed me to find the language to describe how I had always felt. Studying feminist theory and trans theory helped me to put my feelings into words. For me being queer, on a really personal level, means that words that are supposed to make sense don’t seem to make sense to me and perhaps don’t make sense to many people: terms like ‘man’ and ‘woman’, for instance. Visibility is really important for trans students and staff, so I think having staff profiles helps to make people aware that this is an environment where they should feel safe to be open about their sexuality or gender identity and not feel that they have to hide something. Personally, I have not always been able to be open about my sexuality and gender identity, especially when I was a teenager. I think things have changed really dramatically in the last 5-10 years and now it is often much easier for people to be out, especially for those working in Higher Education.

My advice to other members of the trans community who want to come out but feel quite apprehensive about it would be to try talking about their gender identity with others, perhaps other trans people if possible. This can be really liberating. The worst thing is feeling like you are the only person struggling with those issues. Making contact with people and finding a sense of common ground has been the most important thing for me and for many other people. You are not alone.