Our Strategy 2030 sets out Queen Mary’s commitment and ambition to be the most inclusive university of our kind, anywhere; realising this vision means being a university of choice for LGBTQIA+ people to study and work.
However many LGBTQIA+ people continue to experience bigotry, hatred and discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics.
Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia can take many forms such as name-calling, derogatory jokes, intrusive or hostile questioning, threatening to ‘out’ someone, as well as unwanted physical contact and violence. It can happen verbally, in writing, in person or virtually (eg by email, messages, social media). Whatever form it takes, it is always unacceptable.
If you experience or witness homophobia, biphobia or transphobia, you can report it (anonymously if you like) and / or access support through the Queen Mary Report + Support tool. Incidents of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia may constitute a criminal offence as a hate incident or hate crime under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and the Criminal Justice Act 2003. If you believe you have been a victim of a hate incident or hate crime you are within your rights to contact the police.
You can find out more about the LGBTQIA+ community by accessing the following information and resources:
If you are a staff member at Queen Mary you can access the Employee Assistance Programme, which is a free, confidential service that provides a wide range of support for staff. Available anytime, any day, by phone, email or online, the service provides information, resources, referrals and counseling on any issue that matters to you.
If you are a student at Queen Mary you may wish to reach out to one of the following people / groups for support and advice:
Further external sources of information, resources and support include: