A WEST Scotland College worker has been recognised in a UK diversity awards after successfully campaigning to introduce gender-neutral facilities at the Greenock campus.

Kyle Perle, who has been an advocate for trans rights since starting his modern apprenticeship, finished in the final three of the WorldSkills UK Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Heroes Awards.

As a trans man, the science lab worker has been a force for change, speaking up about the challenges facing both local staff and students.

Kyle has been instrumental in securing a pilot of gender-neutral toilets at the Greenock campus - and there are now plans for new inclusive changing rooms as well.

The technician, who was also pivotal in the college's participation in Pride month and helping with the college's LGBT Youth Scotland Accreditation, has vowed to carry on the fight for inclusivity for all across all spectrums of education.

Kyle said: "I was very shocked when I first learned that I had been nominated for this.

"Finding out I made the shortlist was something I had never even imagined.

"I have always fought hard for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community and as a queer trans man, the rights and inclusivity of the trans community is extremely important to me and very personal.

“Being shortlisted for this is a huge honour and I am very thankful to my colleagues for nominating me and recognising my efforts.

"In the light of recent developments across the UK surrounding trans rights and their access to facilities and care, I fee lit is even more crucial that I continue my work fighting for more inclusivity within education.”

After starting at the college, Kyle realised there were no gender-neutral facilities on any of the WCS campuses.

Through his work he has now established a more inclusive place for people of all genders to study and grow.

The awards aim to recognise outstanding commitment to promoting and supporting diverse and inclusive practices, and to celebrate those making a real difference.

Paul Ferguson, operational development manager at West College Scotland, said: “Kyle appearing in the shortlist is testament to his resilience, perseverance and commitment to furthering trans inclusivity here in Greenock.

"We are so proud that his work, beginning on one campus, is now being replicated across all of the others run by West College Scotland, making us a more inclusive place for transgender and gender non-conforming staff and students.”