Oxford University students will no longer have to wear gender-specific academic clothing after concerns it was unfair to the transgender community.
It will mean men can attend formal occasions in skirts and stockings and women in suits and bow ties.
The new rules come after a motion by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer society (LGBTQ Soc) was passed by the students’ union earlier this year.
The changes, to start from 4th of August, have now been agreed by the university.
Oxford University students will no longer have to wear gender-specific academic clothing after concerns it was unfair to the transgender community
Jess Pumphrey, LGBTQ officer, said the change would make a number of students’ exam experience significantly less stressful.
Under the old laws on academic clothing – known as subfusc – male students were required to wear a dark suit and socks, black shoes, a white bow tie and a plain white shirt and collar under their black gowns.
Female students had to wear a dark skirt or trousers, a white blouse, black stockings and shoes and a black ribbon tied in a bow at the neck.
If a transgender student wanted to wear subfusc of the opposite sex they had to seek special dispensation from university proctors, who had the power to punish those who breached the rules.
An Oxford University spokesman said: “The regulations have been amended to remove any reference to gender, in response to concerns raised by Oxford University Student Union that the existing regulations did not serve the interests of transgender students.”
Stephen Beatty posted messages about his new relationship on Twitter, revealing he received a home-made pair of socks for his recent birthday from his beau.
It is unclear whether his father Warren Beatty approves, although he reportedly toasted his “brave son” at a special family dinner in Hollywood last month.
Warren Beatty is trying to solidify his relationship with Stephen, who was previously called Kathlyn, according to the National Enquirer.
Stephen Beatty, 20, who is a blogger and transgender activist, made the revelation about his sexuality on December 22.
He said: “Haha, yeah, I’m trans and gay. Double the fun!”
Stephen Beatty posted messages about his new relationship on Twitter, revealing he received a home-made pair of socks for his recent birthday from his beau
Stephen Beatty, who has turned 20 on Sunday, also told his followers he had been given a special gift from his new man.
“I’m terrified of socks. My boyfriend has made me some though!
“They’re my birthday present and are coming in the mail.”
Yesterday Stephen Beatty also said: “I miss my boyfriend.”
No doubt many will be wondering just who has captured the heart of Stephen Beatty, who decided to switch genders in 2009.
But it seems he is still interested in other men too, as he recently tweeted about his attraction to a uniquely featured individual.
Stephen Beatty said: “Oh man I was actually super into the Nazi guy with the weird forehead.”
He frequently tweets his thoughts about sex, gender, philosophy and politics.
But according to the National Enquirer Stephen Beatty’s posts have become racier since 74-year-old Warren “publicly backed” his son at a family dinner at Italian restaurant il Covo.
A source said: “The dinner was an unofficial public display that he’s proud of his family, especially Stephen, for having the courage to be who he truly is.
“It wasn’t easy for Warren. But he learned a lot about the transgender community over the past year.
“Warren even made an emotional toast to Stephen during the dinner and said he was proud to have such a brave son.”
However in a recent blog post Stephen Beatty blasted the story, claiming it was simply a fabrication.
He said: “If you’re me, which not many people are, there are suddenly paparazzi following you around, doing really dehumanizing things.
“For example, recently my family and I went out to dinner and a paparazzo got all up on us as we were walking to our car.
“The next morning an article came out purporting to know what we’d talked about at dinner.
“Some reporter literally made up an account of our dinner conversation. Out of whole cloth.”
Stephen Beatty added he was particularly unhappy as he was photographed looking far from his best.
He said: “There was also a picture of me really needing a haircut and looking shellshocked.
“So yeah. Queer Christmas: stressful, especially if people are trying to take your picture because they are interested in the confluence of your gender identity and your parentage.”
Stephen is one of four children Warren Beatty has with his wife of the last 19-years Annette Bening.
They have another two daughters, Isabel and Ella, and a son Ben.
