While lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT+) people have made progress claiming rights and inclusion over recent years, many continue to face widespread discrimination and violence.
There are still over 70 countries in the world where being LGBT+ is illegal, and in 12 of these countries the punishment could even be execution. It is also estimated that consensual same-sex relationships are illegal for 35% of those living in UN countries around the world. Still more LGBT+ people are left without fundamental rights in employment, marriage, adoption and crime prevention.
Despite widespread condemnation of gay conversion therapy, it has been made illegal in only four countries. In the UK, more than 1,000 days have passed since the Government promised to ban the practice, despite the ban being announced for England and Wales in the recent Queen’s Speech.
In our own sector, three in 10 respondents reported that they have experienced homophobic language in the workplace in a recent UCU survey of LGBT+ university staff.
Inclusivity at Greenwich
Equality, diversity and inclusivity are important to us at the university, and we are committed to a programme of action to overcome barriers to representation and inclusion through our university strategy. We are a proud member of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme and recognise the importance of the LGBT+ Staff Community, Women’s Staff Network, allies and the wider community in promoting LGBT+ equality and acting as agents of change at the university.
We recognise that there is more to be done to achieve cultural change for inclusion across the university community and ensure that the university is itself a vehicle for positive social change.
IDAHoBIT event: a discussion on homophobia, transphobia and biphobia
As part of marking International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia the LGBT+ Staff Community and Centre for Inequalities at the Institute for Lifecourse Development are hosting a panel discussion on 17 May 14pm – 5.15pm.
The seminar will help raise further awareness of LGBT+ rights violations and continue the dialogue about homophobia, transphobia and biphobia.
All staff and students are welcome to register to join the session.
Connect with our Communities
LGBT+ Staff Community
A community of staff and allies supporting the development of LGBT+-related equality and diversity support and representation within the university. If you identify with, or as an ally of, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and wider non-heteronormative identities, you are welcome to join the Community.
Join the refreshed LGBT+ Staff Community at the relaunch event on 21 May, 4pm – 7pm.
Membership is open to all permanent and temporary staff working at the university, including outsourced staff.
Contact lgbt@gre.ac.uk for more information and follow @UoG_LGBT on Twitter for event updates.
Women’s Staff Network
The network represents Academic and Professional Services staff and welcomes trans women and non-binary people.
You can contact the network and join their events through the Women's Staff Network webpage.
LGBT+ Student Network
Enabling members of the LGBT+ student community to come together to share information, provide support and discuss concerns and problems.
Email Bradie McDaid, Greenwich Students’ Union (GSU) Liberation Organiser for LGBT+ students, or follow Instagram @liberationgsu or keep an eye out for more information about the network on the GSU website for information on how to get involved.
LGBTQ+ Student Society
Supporting students regardless of how they identify. The society supports and develops the LGBTQ+ student community at the university and provides a safer, more welcoming, and ultimately happier space for LGBTQ+ people.
Join the Facebook group for more information.
