LGBT+ at Regent's

1. Raise awareness of LGBT+ support at Regent's

For example, have the LGBT ally poster/sticker in your workspace or office, so students and colleagues know LGBT+ rights are supported.

2. Understand your position and responsibilities

If you do not identify as LGBT+, you may not be aware of the daily challenges that members of this community face. For example, worrying about which bathroom to use at work because there are only designated male and female toilets. As an ally, it is your responsibility to be aware of these challenges, be empathetic towards those who experience them, and take every opportunity to try to resolve them.

3. Listen and learn 

Actively listen to the concerns raised by your LGBT+ students and colleagues. By listening receptively, you can support the LGBT+ community and help make the barriers they face become more visible. If you find it hard to understand or relate to any issues raised, do some research so you can work together to find resolutions.

4. Consider your position when advocating change

Empowering real and meaningful change requires putting the LGBT+ community at the centre of your agenda. As an ally, your job is to work with the community to help implement positive change.

5. Take action

There is so much you can do in your day-to-day life to act in allying ways. It is not about raising awareness through social media, although this is a good first step. You have a responsibility to take action and stand up for LGBT+ rights. For example, you can speak up when people say ignorant things, or report abusive behaviour online.

6. Accept that you might make mistakes

It's okay to get things wrong if we use it to develop our knowledge or skills. If you get something wrong – for example, making certain assumptions or using an "incorrect" term – and someone points it out, the best way to address the issue is by acknowledging it in a constructive way. Admitting to your mistake validates the concerns that have been raised, while also affirming your responsibility to resolve the mistake.

• Be visible – make your support of the LGBT+ community obvious by displaying, for example, the LGBT+ ally postcards and stickers
• Be informed; through reading, discussing and attending events
• Listen with an open mind
• Call out any LGBT+ discrimination

Regent’s is proud to promote, celebrate and raise awareness of equality, diversity and inclusivity issues and initiatives. In the forthcoming months, we will be launching a new LGBTQ+ network group; our point of contact, support and advice for LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion issues, for both staff and students.

If you have any views or ideas on LGBTQ+ at Regent's, Àngels Trias-I-Valls, the LGBTQ+ network group chair, is very happy to hear your thoughts.

The Regent's University London LGBT+ student society aims to support all LGBT+ students at the university. Whether you would like to meet new LGBT+ people, or get advice and support, we can help and direct you.

We welcome all those that identify under the LGBT+ spectrum as well as heterosexual allies. Many students have felt nervous coming to the LGBT+ society for the first time, whether you are not out (or not out to everyone), come from a background that is not understanding or accepting, or are just nervous of meeting other LGBT+ students, we are here to support you and really do want to make you feel welcome.

The society aims to provide a space where you can completely be yourself without fear of judgement, criticism or discrimination. We encourage you to come along and meet new people.

What does the LGBT+ society do?
We organise a wide variety of social events, campaigns and activities for all our members, from film and bar nights to theatre trips. We aim to make all our events fully accessible.

We also help facilitate involvement with campaigning about LGBT+ issues with the Student Services department. If you are a postgraduate or mature student, please feel free to come as we have people of all ages join.

Please don't feel deterred from coming if you are a mature student, there are students from all stages in university within the society.

For further details, please get in touch at [email protected]. 

Switchboard
Switchboard provide an information, support and referral service for lesbians, gay men and bisexual and trans people – and anyone considering issues around their sexuality and/or gender identity. Find out more here.

Galop
Galop provide support for LGBT+ victims of violence and domestic abuse. Find out more here.

National Student Pride
Held in February The UK's LGBT History Month, students from all over the world travel to our National Student Pride, making it the biggest gathering of LGBT+ students in the UK. Find out more here.

IMMAN
Imman is a peer support group for LGBT+ Muslims that aims to help reconcile faith with sexuality and gender identity. Find out more here.

London Friend 
The UK's oldest lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans charity, supporting the health and mental wellbeing of the LGBT+ community in and around London. Find out more here.

LGBT Foundation 
Advice, support and information for LGBT+ people. Find out more here.

Queer Youth Network
The UK's alliance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other gender/sexual minority young people. Find out more here.

RUComingOut
A website featuring real-life coming out stories from lesbian, gay, bi and trans people. Find out more here.

Stonewall
A nationwide LGBT+ rights charity, offering help and advice (if you are an international student, Stonewall can also connect you to LGBT+ groups and support in your home country). Find out more here.

Transgender support groups
An international directory of support groups for trans individuals and their families in multiple cities across 16 countries. Find out more here.