Gwen

Gwen is a trans academic working in creative writing.
[Image Description] Portrait of Gwen looking thoughtful.

Her work focuses on trans issues.
[Image Description] Gwen at work on her laptop.

She works one day a week at a job based on her previous career, which in the summer is full time. The rest of her time involves writing and occasional lectures, a significant amount of which is unpaid.

“Sometimes I work from this office outside of my hours.”
[Image Description] Gwen at work out of hours with other empty desks in background.

Since graduating from her PhD, Gwen has struggled getting paid work and lives on a limited income.
[Image Description] Gwen at laptop with requests popping up: ‘No budget’, ‘Volunteer’, ‘Free talk’, ‘Speaking opp. (unpaid)’ ‘Would love your input…’.

Students and staff request free lectures on trans issues. Two of the four courses she lectures on don’t pay her.
[Image Description] Gwen giving a lecture with crowd in foreground and large screen in background.

“I hope these lectures will lead to a job.”

“I think of it like activism…”
[Image Description] Gwen at a protest holding a placard.

“…educational events like free lectures, events and protests, all unpaid of course.”

“I used to have male privilege, a good paying job. I worked in countries that would now be unsafe for me.”

“Now I must always be aware of where is safe.”
[Image Description] Gwen walking along pavement of quiet street, railings with bicycle in background.

She typically works from home or the university library.

“A major part of my own time is writing my book.”
[Image Description] Page chapters piling up, ch1, ch2, ch3…

“I’ve been working on it 2-3 days a week for a year and a half.”
[Image Description] Gwen standing on top of her book with lots of page markers sticking out.

Gwen’s book is set to be published by a major academic publisher.

“They paid me £400.”
[Image Description] Lots of one pence pieces scattered around.

[Image Description] Gwen heads for the University Library.

“I’m strict about work. No distractions at the library!”
[Image Description] Gwen in the aisles of the library.

“I have my preferred spots. I know where all the gender neutral bathrooms are.”

“The pay is little, but I have to do it. It’s important.”
[Image Description] Gwen at a computer on a large table in the library, others also on computers

Gwen busy at the computer

“Writing helps me understand where the hatred is coming from.”
[Image Description] Gwen standing with a paper in background and flames in foreground.

“When I worked abroad, I would watch films to escape life. But now that I’m myself, I don’t need that.”

“I have my own things to do.”
[Image Description] Gwen standing at an oversized book.

“Trans people are getting crushed by the attacks on trans rights.”
[Image Description] Gwen still at the computer in the library, the others have now gone.

“When I came out in 2016. There was hope. The equality act, end of section 28, trans healthcare, no media storms… But things have changed.”
[Image Description] Gwen leaving the library.

“I’m going to keep writing, keep publishing.”
[Image Description] Gwen walking home alone on the street under a shining streetlamp.

“Now feels like such an urgent time.”
[Image Description] Gwen still walking home alone on a quiet street in the dark with crescent moon over the rooftops in background.