The OUTrans association, dedicated to supporting transgender individuals, has received significant public funding and plays an influential role in shaping institutional policies. Its partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR) highlights the government’s involvement in disseminating new approaches to gender issues. Through training sessions, webinars, and educational materials, OUTrans advocates for the idea that gender transition is an individual right and should not require prior psychiatric expertise.

As part of this partnership, the MESR has recommended these training programs to student representative organizations (ORE), further expanding their reach. Additionally, OUTrans actively participates in public policy, particularly in the framework of the National Action Plan for Equality and the Fight Against Anti-LGBT+ Discrimination (2023-2026).

Substantial Financial Support for Activist Projects

The association benefits from considerable public funding. In 2022, it received €144,800 in public subsidies, including €138,700 from the MESR. This funding is supplemented by €100,000 from the City of Paris and €85,000 from the Interministerial Delegation for the Fight Against Racism, Anti-Semitism, and Anti-LGBT Hatred (DILCRAH), notably to finance an LGBTQI+ community space called “La Bulle.”

The MESR justifies this support as aid for academic research. However, these funds also contribute to the publication of brochures promoting easier access to hormone treatments, including for minors, without strict psychiatric oversight. These materials encourage self-determination for transgender youth and challenge traditional medical supervision.

Funded Projects at the Heart of Debate

The public funds allocated to OUTrans support various projects, some of which raise concerns:

• Charte Sport et Trans: Promotes the inclusion of transgender individuals in sports competitions without addressing equity concerns.
• Transjam: A non-mixed video game for transgender individuals.
• FOREST: A study on the sexuality of transmasculine individuals, whose scientific relevance is debated.
• Trajectoires Jeunes Trans: A platform for young people questioning their gender identity, without systematic involvement of parents or healthcare professionals.

Activism Influencing Institutions

OUTrans is not limited to awareness campaigns. The association actively advocates for the depathologization of transitions, pushing for access to hormone and surgical treatments without strict medical supervision, even for minors.

It also played a key role in the dissolution of the Scientific Council of the DILCRAH after denouncing its president’s positions as overly critical of youth transitions. Furthermore, some LGBT+ organizations have faced criticism from OUTrans for not adopting what it considers a sufficiently radical approach.

A Controversy Over the Use of Public Funds

As the MESR faces a budgetary crisis, some question the relevance of funding an association with a strong activist stance. Concerns have been raised about the impartiality of OUTrans’ initiatives and their impact on academic research and higher education.

In response, the UNI is calling for an end to the partnership between the MESR and OUTrans and demands the cessation of public subsidies to the association. The organization urges the ministry to collaborate with entities that ensure a balanced and non-ideological approach to gender issues.