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  3. Resources and Support

Resources and Support

At Queen Mary we want to create an inclusive environment where LGBTQIA+ staff and students are valued and supported, where everyone can be themselves and be treated with kindness, dignity and respect.

Our Strategy 2030 sets out Queen Mary’s commitment and ambition to be the most inclusive university of our kind, anywhere.

Raising awareness of the inequalities and discrimination faced by LGBTQIA+ people

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, transphobia, biphobia and acephobia are terms used to describe the fear or dislike or someone, based on prejudice or negative attitudes, beliefs or views about people who are or are perceived to be lesbian, gay, queer, trans, bi or asexual (ace)+. it may be realised through acts of discrimination, bullying and harassment.

This kind of behaviour 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 unlawful 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. Our statement on Preventing Harassment, Bullying and Hate Crime and our Dignity at Work and Study procedure are available online.

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.

Following the recent Supreme Court judgement regarding the legal definitions of sex under the Equality Act 2010, we know that many members of our Queen Mary community may have questions about what this means.

The Equality Act has not changed, and protections against harassment and discrimination remain in place within the Equality Act, including on the grounds of sex and gender reassignment. At this stage, we are awaiting further clarity on the practical implications of the judgement for our organisation.

You can read more in our full statement: Queen Mary update on the UK Supreme Court Ruling.

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: 

  • East London Out Project (ELOP): a local charity offering a range of support services to LGBTQ+ communities including counselling. 
  • Tower Hamlets LGBT Community Forum: a project that aims to bring together LGBT+ people (and allies) who live, work, study or socialise in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. 
  • Galop: an LGBTQ+ anti-violence charity, providing support services relating to hate crime, domestic abuse and sexual violence. 
  • Switchboard: LGBT+ helpline: provides information, support and referral service for LGBTQ+ and their friends, parents or family. 
  • Gendered Intelligence: a charity aiming to increase understanding of gender diversity, specialising in supporting young trans people under 21. 
  • Mermaids: supports trans and gender-diverse children, young people and their families. 
  • GIRES: works to improve the lives of trans and gender non-conforming people of all ages.
  • Stop Hate UK: provides independent, confidential and accessible reporting and support for victims, witnesses and third parties. 
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