Supporting sexual and gender diversity
Colleagues are invited to get involved with this year’s International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHoBiT).
'Breaking the Silence' is the theme of this year's IDAHoBiT
Leeds believes that every member of staff and every student should be treated with dignity and respect, and has the right to work, study and be taught in a supportive environment that is free from harassment, bullying and victimisation.
We reinforced our commitment to LGBT+ inclusion at the end of 2019 by joining forces with Stonewall – the UK’s leading lesbian, gay, bi and trans rights charity.
Established in 2004, IDAHoBiT is designed to draw attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bi, trans and intersex people, and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.
The theme for this year’s date, on Sunday 17 May, is ‘Breaking the Silence’, which aims to encourage everyone to speak up and make their voices heard on this issue.
With this in mind, our LGBT+ role models have been sharing their perspectives with the Equality Policy Unit.
Freyja Douglas-McTurk shares a personal message during these challenging times and Heather Swinsco shares her journey to becoming an LGBT+ parent.
And you are also invited to get involved with IDAHoBiT this year.
Ideas include:
- making your voice heard by joining the conversation online, using the hashtag #IDAHoBiT;
- following the Stonewall hashtag #StayInForLGBT, highlighting online events you can get involved in;
- supporting the LGBT+ by recognising the potential impact of coronavirus (covid-19) on LGBT+ people – the Equality Policy Unit (EPU) has collated some helpful resources and ideas for this;
- supporting others through a list of LGBT-friendly support organisations compiled by Stonewall; or
- supporting LGBT+ people through the list of ideas compiled by the OutLife charity, such as calling older people who might be isolated and lonely or donating to local projects.
The Parkinson Building will also be lit up in full rainbow colours ahead of the date, on Saturday 16 May.
Further advice and support
Our Policy on Dignity and Mutual Respect is the University’s policy against bullying, harassment and victimisation. It outlines complaints procedures for staff and students, along with sources of advice and support.
The LGBT+ Staff Network also provides confidential support to all employees on LGBT+ issues, including support for staff wishing to report homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying and harassment. The network is open to all employees and PGR students, and is inclusive of LGBT+ people with multiple identities.
Visit the EPU website for further information about LGBT+ support available within the University.