Gender Transitioning Guidelines

Otago Polytechnic - Te Pūkenga strives to create an environment where all people feel safe, valued, and empowered to achieve their full potential. As a Rainbow Tick organisation since 2017 we welcome and celebrate the diversity of sexual and gender identities. 

Gender identity is a person's internal, deeply felt sense of being male or female or wherever they find themselves on the gender continuum. Each of us defines our own gender identity and has the right to express our gender without fear of consequences.

Transgender people are people that feel that their gender identity is different from the gender associated with their assigned sex at birth. Gender Transitioning (or transitioning) is a process in which a transgender person begins to live as their gender identity. Transitioning may be social (e.g., making changes to their appearance, hairstyle and the way they dress; changing their name; using different pronouns) and/or medical (making changes to their bodies through hormone therapy or surgery).

Otago Polytechnic - Te Pūkenga is committed to supporting any kaimahi or ākonga who are transitioning, and recognise that this is a unique and personal experience. The Gender Transitioning Guidelines are available publicly on our Policies page on the website (under the 'OP Business Division Procedures') and in the direct link below.  These guidelines provide helpful information and practical advice for kaimahi or ākonga who are in transition or thinking about transitioning. The guidelines and resources are also useful for leaders, teams, and those in support roles for kaimahi, as well teachers, facilitators, programme heads, and support staff for ākonga. Please share this with your teams. 

Gender Transitioning Guidelines

For more information and resources, visit the Working under the Rainbow Community page on Tūhono.