Support for LGBTQ+ students

The University of Manchester welcomes all students including those that identify under the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

Manchester has a long history of LGBTQ+ activism and a famous social scene and LGBTQ+ students will find the University and the city an inclusive place to study.

We work closely with our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team at the University to ensure we offer a welcoming environment free from harassment, discrimination and bullying. 

There may be times when you need additional support or guidance and there are a number of places you can access this:  

LGBTQ+ Students Campaign

Find out about the campaign and upcoming events on the Student's Union website.

LGBTQ+ Mental Health Wellbeing Support Group

This is a peer support group supported by the Counselling and Mental Health Service and run by students trained to support LGBTQ+ peers. The group provides a welcoming environment for all LGBTQ+ students to talk about their mental health openly. 

The group will be meeting weekly during term time on Wednesday afternoons in the Counselling and Mental Health Service, fifth floor, Crawford House. Please email counselling.servicegroups@manchester.ac.uk for details of how to access this group.

BAME and International Students

We aim to provide support for students from all different ethnic backgrounds. Both the Staff Network and the LGBTQ Society organise a wide variety of accessible and inclusive events that welcome international students, the LGBTQ Society also organises LGBTQ+ BAME and international only socials. The university recognises that students from different backgrounds may struggle with their identity especially when coming from cultures where discrimination and prejudice exist. If you need support at any time, please use the links throughout this page to seek out support.

The Queer, Trans and Intersex, People of Colour (QTIPOC) Society provides a safe space where QTIPOC students can socialise. Their Facebook page has all the latest activities for you to join in with. 

Trans students

The University is committed to providing support to all students who are trans.  Trans is an umbrella term encompassing all those who do not identify with the sex they were assigned at birth, including but not limited to those who are transgender, genderqueer, agender and non-binary.  All staff have diversity and inclusion training which covers many topics such as using student’s pronouns correctly. If you need any advice on name changes or support, please contact the equality and diversity team.

Stonewall Workplace Equality Index

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We are proud to rank 30th in the charity's ranking of LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace. 

This work also extends to students and their time at the University. 

You can find out more about the activities on our Stonewall Pages.

LGBT Allies

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All University staff undertake Diversity Training and we offer additional training on Trans issues.  If you want to discuss issues relating to your sexuality or ask for advice from a member of staff look out for our LGBT Allies who can be identified by rainbow lanyards, stickers or flags. Additionally you can receive mentoring from a member of ALLOUT, the LGBT Staff Network Group.

The Proud Trust

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The Proud Trust in an LGBTQ+ charity that offers support to young people aged under 25. They are our official community partner and offer support around a number of LGBT issues – as well as a great café. 

The centre is currently being reconstructed and The Proud Trust is based at the Manchester Science Park.

LGBTQ+ Accommodation

There is no LGBTQ+ only accommodation at the University. However, the accommodation that we provide is inclusive of all students including those that identify under the LGBTQ+ spectrum. 

Gender neutral facilities

There are a number of gender neutral toilets on campus. You can locate these facilities on this map

Campaigns

LGBQ+ Campaign

The Student’s Union has two officers who focus and campaign on issues affecting LGBQ+ people. To get in touch or get involved email: uomlgbqcampaign@gmail.com

Trans Campaign

The Student’s Union has two officers who focus and campaign on issues affecting Trans and non-binary people. To get in touch or get involved email: uomtranscampaign@gmail.com

Visit the Students Union website for more information on these campaigns.

The city

Canal Street

Canal Street is very close to the University and famous for its LGBT nightlife. It has many LGBTQ+ nightclubs and bars which are very popular with students and the LGBTQ+ Society organises regular trips to Canal Street through the year.

Manchester Pride

We have an entry in Manchester Pride each year – all students are invited to participate whether LGBTQ or not. This is a great way to demonstrate our inclusivity as an organisation.

Pronouns

Emails and Zoom

We encourage people to include their gender pronoun on their e-mail signature and Zoom screen. This helps to remove barriers for our non-binary and trans communities and is an easy way to prevent misgendering. It also helps demonstrate the point that whether someone is cis or trans, their pronouns should never be assumed.

Identity cards

While we don't print pronouns or titles on id cards, many people are choosing to put theirs on the reverse of their badge holder – another way we can show full inclusivity.

Further support and resources

Contacts

  • For general LGBTQ+ related queries or support email: lgbt@manchester.ac.uk
  • For information or support from the LGBTQ+ society email: uomlgbtqsociety@gmail.com
  • For information on campaigns or the media for LGBQ+ students email: uomlgbqcampaign@gmail.com
  • For information on campaigns or the media for Trans and non-binary students please email: uomtranscampaign@gmail.com