UNIVERSITY
of the year
FINALISTS
The university or higher education institution which has created, or is working towards creating, the most inclusive learning environment for its LGBTQ+ students and staff.
listed alphabetically
MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY LONDON
Middlesex University London has been shortlisted for their continued commitment to ensuring that the LGBTQ+ community at the university is valued and represented at all levels by recognising and uplifts people within their vibrant, global community. Strategies include their Equality and Diversity Student Trans Policy, the steps they have taken to create recruitment and onboarding processes that are both ethical and inclusive, and the mandatory staff training and development for all employees which includes specific examples of LGBT+protected characteristics. LGBTQ+ students and staff are placed at the heart of its university, brought to life by inspiring staff, values put into practice by celebrating and promoting key awareness days including LGBTQ+ History Month, Bisexual Awareness Week and Bi Visibility Day to ensure they propel diversity within our campus. Their Student Ambassadors act as representatives of LGBTQ+ rights, encouraging all students to get involved in their Speakers Corner initiative highlighting Trans Rights and fundraising opportunities.
UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON
After the University of the Arts London conducted research and found that their LGBTQ+ students were fearful of hate crimes against them, they created initiatives campus-wide to show students that the university values, respects and will protect its Queer community. An action-led EDI group, with representation from staff and students across accommodation, catering, retail and estates. In its first year this group has influenced a community of trailblazing changemakers and allies through collaborations, training and vibrant activities. Recognising the crucial role students play in shaping an inclusive community, UAL appointed dedicated EDI student leads. These passionate individuals work with student committees in the halls to curate initiatives - including the ‘Queers Peers podcast’ and Taboo Tuesdays - ensuring different voices are heard and celebrated throughout the year Their Trans and non-binary students have delivered a session to senior UAL leaders which opened conversations and led to implementing comprehensive pronoun training.
UNIVERSITY OF ESSEX
In the last 12 months the University of Essex has come against unprecedented challenges of increasing intolerance and has tackled this, determined to fight against homophobia, ensuring no platform is given to bigots. The university has spent time understanding the reasons behind the increase and has re-committed itself to preserving partnerships with LGBTQ+ organisations, building an LGBTQ+ friendly campus, providing education for all, ensuring that love is celebrated, and where appropriate action is taken. As part of this commitment the university has developed key programmes to support the LGBTQ+ community. The LGBTQ+ and Trans student and staff forums have become fully operational and work to develop practices to support the community such as improving access to the gender affirmation fund, and the university has worked hard this year to expand the education offering around LGBTQ+ rights to ensure that students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to understand diversity and ensure ignorance is not an excuse for homophobia.
UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON
The University of Wolverhampton is dedicated to ensuring its LGBTQIA+ staff, students, and wider community are represented at all levels of the University and within its decision making. The University takes an active role in both Wolverhampton Pride and Birmingham Pride and is sponsoring the Afterglow stage at this year's Wolverhampton Pride. Staff have also been present in media releases and at flag raising ceremonies at Wolverhampton Council for both History month and Pride month, speaking and spreading the word of inclusivity in the University. Staff from the LGBTQIA+ network work on all aspects of LGBTQIA+ life in the University, advocating for both students and staff alike. Staff also produce content which promotes and disseminates information surrounding the LGBTQIA+ community to the wider University community including the D.I.I.verse Hub podcast series, with staff from the network also delivering LGBTQIA+ and Transgender related sessions across courses and faculties.
