Students told cross-dressing is as offensive as blacking up

Student leaders at Exeter University have advised that cross-dressing could be deemed as offensive as ‘blacking up’. Squeezing into dresses and attempting to apply make-up has long been a popular means by which some male undergraduates, particularly members of sports teams, unwind and bond. But a message sent by the university's Student Guild ahead of a week of events to celebrate diversity on campus warned the practice could be deemed insulting to ‘gender-queer’ students.

“The Guild is aware that there are several trans-identified students at Exeter and more who express their identity as gender-queer,” the message said. “To parody this appearance is crass and offensive on the same level as ethnicity. While 'blacking up' in various guises is not unlawful...by parodying an appearance you are taking on the public performance of a group of persons in a stereotypical or (sometimes) mocking way.



“The Guild does not act in disciplinary fashion against members of the student body for performances of this nature, but we do express disapproval of unthinking and insulting appearances against minority student groups in particular - before you dress up in this fashion we would ask that you reconsider your actions and act in a culturally sensitive way so as not to give offence. The Guild is not demanding that all such performances stop. We are merely asking for your consideration in making sure that your own individual behaviour is not harming, insulting or mocking another student."

‘Gender-queer’ is a term used by people who view themselves as neither wholly male or female. Nick Davis, the Student Guild president, said: “People seem very happy with the message. It’s not a warning or a way to tell people how to conduct themselves. We just wanted to reach out to people who might not be aware that it could offend students." A university spokesman said it was a matter for the student body.