LGBTQI+ Equality
As part of the EDI annual report 2021-22, the University of Sunderland show how they have supported LGBTQI+ equality.
Close
As part of the EDI annual report 2021-22, the University of Sunderland show how they have supported LGBTQI+ equality.
The University is a member of Stonewall and works actively to ensure that LGBTQI+ staff and students feel able to bring their full self to our campuses. Sunderland is also among the safest cities for LGBTQI+ residents thanks to the low level of hate crimes towards the LGBTQI+ community in these cities.
15.8% of our students self-declare as LGBTQI+, and there is a LGBTQI+ society. There are a variety of different support mechanisms for students, both internal and external, depending on your needs.
In 2021-22, we have aimed to continue this growth in equality and inclusion.
This year, the University received a Bronze award from Stonewall, the world’s second-largest LGBTQ+ charity.
For 20 years, the charity has been supporting employers to create welcoming workplaces for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people.
Justine Gillespie, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at the University of Sunderland, said: “I am incredibly proud that the University has been recognised as a Stonewall Bronze Award holder.
“Inclusion is a core value at the University, and we are fully committed to creating an inclusive culture for our LGBTQ+ colleagues by working with our All Identities Included Staff Network (for LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies) to create an environment where people can bring their whole self to work.”
The Santander project fund has enabled the Students' Union to continue to grow events, activities and support for students with protected characteristics. This year they have grown their provision for the LGBTQ+ student community.
This year they held the Big Gay Festival, a celebration of the community with open mic night performances, a drag queen performance and activities to mark LGBTQ+ History Month. This event was led by their LGBTQ+ Officer and the Pride Society, designed to create a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community at the University of Sunderland.
Pride month is a time to recognise and celebrate of the lives, achievements, and history of the LGBTQI+ community. One Sunderland PhD student is taking this to another level, by using her successful gaming network to shine a light on queer themes in video games.
Read more about about Steph Farnsworth's work for Pride month.
University of Sunderland academic Drew Dalton has praised his headteacher husband for coming out to pupils in a special assembly earlier this year, becoming the only openly gay state secondary headteacher in the UK.
Read more about about the impact this has had on the community.
Drew Dalton, University of Sunderland lecturer and Founder of ReportOUT, a global human rights charity for sexual and gender minorities, reveals how we have come so far – but have even further to go.
Read more about about the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
This year the University of Sunderland released inclusive language guidelines to help staff and students understand the impact of the words they use. The guidlines outlines how to use inclusive language to avoid biases, slang or expressions that exclude certain groups based on age, race, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexual orientation.
Within the guidelines it was highlighted how we use the term ‘sexual orientation’, not ‘sexual preference’, and if in doubt, ask someone their preferred term and respect their wishes.
On Tuesday 21 June, Charlotte Feather, co-chair of the All Identities Included staff network, module leader for Gender & Diversity in Education, and founder of the LGBTQ+ Primary Hub, hosted a free online event for staff and students. This LGBTQI+ multidisciplinary research conference had the theme of 'Queer Voices', in recognition of the increased global attack on LGBTQI+ rights, the ongoing attempt to fracture the community, and the lack of authentic queer voices represented in media commentary.
With an opening statement from Deputy-Vice Chancellor Professor Jon Timmis, this event allowed staff and students to present their work and learn from one another.
The University of Sunderland's social media accounts have created many posts supporting LGBTQI+ rights, including specialised posts for days such as Transgender Day of Visibility.
The University is an inclusive trans-friendly culture, workplace and learning environment, free from discrimination, harassment or victimisation, where all trans people are treated with dignity and respect.
Therefore, the University decided to launch the Trans Ally Pledge. In the pledge there are simple things staff and students can do to become trans and gender diverse allies.
We welcome feedback on Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Responsibility.
Please contact our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, justine.gillespie@sunderland.ac.uk or,
the Student Union LGBTQ+ Officer at yoursu@sunderland.ac.uk.