Trans rapper praises safe space university

Nate Ethan-Watson has credited his university with support in a new song being used as part of its clearing campaign

A transgender rapper has written a song that praises his university for being a safe space during his transition.

Nate Ethan-Watson, 40, graduated from the University of Wolverhampton in 2019, and transitioned in his second year.

The song, titled "Could it be?" - written as part of the university's clearing campaign, recorded on video and uploaded to YouTube - details Mr Ethan-Watson's journey throughout his studies.

"I think the whole experience at the university has impacted my life more than I could imagine - I was in a space where I was celebrated," he said.

In the song, Mr Ethan-Watson, who is from the city, said he questioned how he would make it through his degree.

"My whole identity was about to change, including my name," he explains in the recording. "I thought I’d find it hard to try and explain, but everyone was accepting and showed me kindness.

"I knew this was a place I could be free to express the real me.

"Uni helped me find my tribe, a safe space to be who you want to be."

He graduated with a first-class honours degree in public health, and won an award for academic excellence.

He became an advocate for LBGTQ+ rights, and went on to set up TNB Connect, a community interest company which supports the transgender and non-binary community.

"My message to anyone who is thinking of starting at university is take that first step," he said. "It has transformed my life, and it could do the same for you.

"It really is a place to be free, you’re going to feel included whoever you are, whatever your background, race, gender, identity."