We believe that LGBTQ+ discrimination, harassment and abuse are never okay.
LGBTQ+ discrimination is when someone is treated unfairly, excluded, harassed or victimised because of their sexual orientation or gender reassignment.
Harassment is when someone intentionally or unintentionally violates a person's dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment, which interferes with an individual's learning, working or social environment.
LGBTQ+ discrimination and harassment are contrary to the Equality Act 2010 and the University's Dignity at Work and Study Policy.
Think
- Are you in immediate danger? If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured, you can contact the emergency services on 999 (or 112 from a mobile phone).
- Find a safe space. If an incident has just happened, try and find somewhere you feel safe.
- It may be helpful to think about what has happened and how it has affected you.
Report
- Report and Support. Students and staff can report an incident using the University's Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously.
- University Procedure. If you choose to make a formal complaint to the University about a student or member of staff, there are procedures which set out the steps you'll need to follow.
- Police. If you believe you have experienced a hate crime, you may wish to report this to the Police.
Get support
- The Samaritans provide emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. Call 116 123, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- TalkCampus is a global mental health support network which provides students with free and instant support for mental health. Support is available 24/7 so you never have to feel alone.
There are a number of confidential and independent organisations that can provide support to LGBTQ+ individuals:
- Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline – confidential listening support, information and signposting for LGBTQ+ people.
- Galop – specialist support for LGBTQ+ people affected by hate crime, domestic abuse, sexual violence and conversion practices.
- Stonewall – information, guidance and resources relating to LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion.
- MindOut – mental health support and advocacy for LGBTQ+ people.
- akt – support for LGBTQ+ young people at risk of homelessness or living in unsafe environments.
- Mermaids – support for transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse young people and their families.
- Samaritans – emotional support available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling 116 123.
Mental health and wellbeing
Find out more about the support available for mental health and wellbeing.
Take care of yourself. Experiencing discrimination or harassment can be distressing. The University's Counselling Service offers confidential help and is open to both students and staff.