Why Strathclyde
LGBT+ Pride Month

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.

Get involved

We have a range of events taking place across the University to celebrate Pride Month.

Our events

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 and staff at Strathclyde via our ‘Ask Alex’ service. We recognise the unique issues faced by trans and non-binary students and staff, 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 and gender diverse student and staff webpage or email alex@strath.ac.uk.

LGBT+ guidance

Strathclyde published updated guidance on supporting LGBT+ students and staff, designed to accompany our Dignity & 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 Advisers

Alongside the Dignity & 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

Since 2016, the TransEDU project, led by Dr Stephanie McKendry and Dr Matson Lawrence and based within Strathclyde’s Access, Equality & Inclusion team, has advanced research and practice to support trans and gender diverse people across further and higher education.

Over the past decade, the project has developed a wide range of resources, including a dedicated website, training materials, case studies, guidance, and creative outputs designed to improve understanding and inclusion. Building on this work, recent Research & Innovation activity has focused on trans inclusion in research cultures and environments, culminating in a new report and the commissioning of an artist-led project to translate findings into an accessible format.

The TransEDU website and resources remain available online, and Strathclyde staff and students can access the related guidance book – Supporting Transgender and Non-Binary Students and Staff in Further and Higher Education – via the Strathclyde Library.

Events

  • All
    of
    June

    LGBTQI+ Book display

    This display is located on level 3 of the Andersonian Library and includes a wide selection of books by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Asexual, Transgender authors and covers a range of topics and issues relevant to pride month. All the books are available for loan. Staff library cards are also available for issue upon library visit.
    Location: Level 3 of the Andersonian Library, 101 St James Rd, Andersonian Library, Glasgow G4 0NS

Additionally, you can read resources remotely.

  • All
    of
    June

    Pride & Poetry Wall Display

    To mark LGBT+ Pride Month, the Pride and Poetry wall display showcases a selection of poems by LGBTQIA+ writers, alongside short biographies of each author. The display celebrates LGBTQIA+ voices, creativity and storytelling, and highlights the role of poetry in identity, visibility and expression.
    Location: Throughout June, Andersonian Library Level 3
  • All
    of
    June

    Pride Themed Community Jigsaw & Craft Corner

    The community jigsaw, titled Badges of Hope, will be set up alongside the craft corner, which features colouring sheets, a word search, knitting patterns and additional Pride-themed jigsaws. The jigsaw and craft corner is available to drop into throughout June.
    Location: Level 3 of the Andersonian Library

The event will include opportunities for questions from the audience, and copies of the book will be available to purchase and be signed at the end.

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.