As a socially progressive and people-oriented organisation, the University of Strathclyde strives to be an inclusive community which recognises the potential, talents and contribution of all people.
We value the diversity of our student and staff populations, and seek to create a culture where everyone is welcome and thrives within our institution. We work to ensure that our students, staff and visitors (as well as those who apply to study or work at the University) are treated fairly regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
We're committed to creating an environment in which all students, staff and visitors – irrespective of their sexual orientation, gender identity and trans status – feel welcomed and valued, and in which discriminatory behaviour and harassment isn't tolerated. The University will take prompt action in response to any alleged discrimination, victimisation, or harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Pride Month is marked in June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall riots in the US, and Pride events in Scotland and the UK generally take place throughout the summer months.
Advancing LGBT+ equality at Strathclyde
Strathclyde aims to be an inclusive community which recognises the potential, talents, and contribution of all people regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, sex, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity (and paternity).
Below are some of the ways we are currently working to advance LGBT+ equality and inclusion at our institution.
LGBT+ Charter Mark
The University’s Student Experience directorate and the School of Education both hold LGBT Charter awards. The Charter is managed by LGBT Youth Scotland and recognises the achievements of organisations in proactively including LGBTI people in every aspect of their work, protecting staff and providing a high-quality service to students or service users.
The School of Education achieved a Bronze award in 2019 and Student Experience a Silver award in early 2020.
STEM Equals
STEM Equals is a four-year research and impact project focused on creating more inclusive STEM communities for women and LGBT people in both academia and in industry. Through an intersectional lens, the project will examine working cultures within higher education and industry, including systemic inequalities faced by women and LGBT staff in STEM disciplines.
Funded by EPSRC and in partnership with BAM Nuttall Ltd, the project will launch and evaluate strategic initiatives focused on improving equality and diversity in STEM. For Pride Month, STEM Equals project’s own Dr Marco Reggiani is one of the featured researchers in UKRI’s Pride in Research and Innovation campaign.
STEM Equals Profiles is an initiative to increase visibility of LGBT+ and women researchers in STEM and promote diverse role models. Contact STEM Equals if you would like to be featured!
Ask Alex
We provide named contact support for trans, non-binary and gender diverse students at Strathclyde via our ‘Ask Alex’ service. We recognise the unique issues faced by trans and non-binary students, both in a university environment and in the wider community and are committed to providing support.
For more information or to access advice and support, visit our dedicated Trans, non-binary & gender diverse student support webpage or email alex@strath.ac.uk.
LGBT+ guidance
Strathclyde published updated guidance on supporting LGBT+ students and staff, designed to accompany our Dignity and Respect Policy.
This document aims to promote understanding and provide clarity on issues which may be of particular relevance to LGBT+ students and staff. It provides guidance for staff and line managers on support for students and staff and on ensuring an LGBT+ inclusive environment.
Report & Support
Remember, if you experience or witness concerning behaviour (including anti-LGBT+ bullying, harassment and violence) on campus and/or relating to university staff and students, you can report this via Strathclyde’s Report & Support system. Reports can be made anonymously.
Dignity & Respect Advisors
Alongside the Dignity and Respect Policy, Strathclyde has developed a network of Dignity & Respect Advisers. Any person experiencing bullying or harassment can contact an adviser for confidential advice and support. In order to avoid any conflict of interest, you are advised to contact an adviser external to your local area.
TransEDU
Between 2016 and 2018, Dr Stephanie Mckendry and Dr Matson Lawrence from Strathclyde’s Access, Equality & Inclusion team conducted research on the experiences of, and current provision for, trans and gender diverse applicants, students and staff in colleges and universities across Scotland.
The TransEDU project developed a website and a range of resources, including animated videos, training materials, case studies, and guidance. Strathclyde staff and students can also access the related guidance book – Supporting Transgender and Non-Binary Students and Staff in Further and Higher Education – for free via Strathclyde Library.
Please note: this page contains external links and many of the events listed are hosted by organisations external to the University. The University cannot take responsibility for the content of external websites or events hosted by external groups.