Scholars attending the Thinking Beyond: Transversal Transfeminisms event at Roehampton University in southwest London were given green, amber and red lanyards (pictured) to signal if they could talk

Transgender conference organisers have given academics traffic light 'safe space' badges to show whether they can cope with a conversation.

Scholars attending the Thinking Beyond: Transversal Transfeminisms event at Roehampton University in southwest London were given green, amber and red lanyards to signal if they could talk.

A green badge meant 'I wish to speak with other delegates and welcome you to approach', yellow was for 'I will approach you if I wish to speak' and red meant 'I do not wish to speak with other delegates.'

The guests were able to switch between the colours if they chose during the day, according to the Sunday Times.

The one-day event was organised in reaction to 'a series of attacks against the experiences and identities of trans people'.

These included US President Donald Trump's 'aggressive policing of trans soldiers in the military, to rampant transphobia in UK feminist circles'.

Academics from other universities were shocked to be told to wear the badges during the conference, with one branding it 'really inappropriate'.

Associate professor of sociology at Oxford University Michael Biggs said: 'To have this kind of traffic-light system simply encourages fragility.'

He grabbed a green lanyard and put it above the other colours to emphasise his point, adding that the experience had been a first for him.

A green badge meant 'I wish to speak with other delegates and welcome you to approach', yellow was for 'I will approach you if I wish to speak' and red meant 'I do not wish to speak with other delegates.' Blue was for event organisers

Mr Biggs continued: 'It seems as though this is something that may be used in therapy sessions with autistic people who cannot bear verbal contact.

'In an academic conference in a university — where freedom of speech is fundamental — it is really inappropriate.'

He added that it incorrectly suggested intellectual conversation was threatening people's safety.

Honorary research fellow at Roehampton University Susan Matthews also pointed out that there was a security guard on patrol at the small event.

Honorary research fellow at Roehampton University (pictured) Susan Matthews also pointed out that there was a security guard on patrol at the small event

But she defended the university for holding the conference despite a backlash from some graduates.

A university source told the Sunday Times the academics were asked to wear them for 'safeguarding reasons'.

The source added: 'Trans issues are sensitive. Some people were worried about confrontation. It was felt important to make sure people felt safe and able to engage.'

MailOnline has approached Roehampton University and the organisers for comment.