Support for people who identify as LGBTI+

Rainbow road crossing

Creating an inclusive environment for LGBTI+ students, staff and visitors is an important commitment for the Department. We celebrate the individuality of every member of our community, and are proud of the supportive environment we have created. We have several members of staff and students who are members of the LGBTI+ community. Intolerance of any kind is not, and will not be, tolerated here.

The University has a vibrant Staff Sexual Diversity and Equality forum, which offers a warm welcome to new members and is a good way to access wider discussions and events within the University: https://www.york.ac.uk/admin/eo/StaffEqualityNetworks/LGBTI%20Matters/LGBTIMatters.htm

We are also members of the LGBT STEMinar, which organises a regular seminar showcasing the work of LGBTI+ academics working in STEM subjects from across the UK. This event was hosted by the Chemistry Department at York in 2018: https://www.york.ac.uk/staff/news/2018/lgbt-steminar/

Coming out as a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or non-binary person should be an exciting, liberating and life-affirming step. However, for some people, coming out can be very difficult and troubling. There is a lot of support in the University for people who are coming to terms with their sexual identity. For students, the YUSU welfare team has members specialising in issues relating to sexuality and gender: https://yusu.org/advice-support/support-a-z. College Welfare teams will also be able to offer advice and support. If you are encountering difficulties which are impacting your studies, please talk to your supervisor or the Chair of the Equality and Diversity Committee, Katrina Attwood.