This Network is one way in which the University can help demonstrate its commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and respect for all staff - regardless of their sexual orientation - and  support LGBT+ staff in the following ways:

• Through the delivery of the University's Equality Scheme Action Plan which demonstrates its commitment to promoting equal opportunities and good relations.
• By developing relationships with other LGBT+ friendly employers on and off campus (please see below!).
• By helping coordinate and organise staff attendance at LGBT+ events associated with Belfast Pride each year. 
• By identifying LGBT+ and straight/cisgender allies as role models and points of contact for our staff.
• By raising awareness of LGBT+ issues and supporting staff training and information sessions each year.
• By working alongside, supporting and advising management and staff on LGBT+ workplace issues.
• By working alongside other employers in Northern Ireland as part of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Network and the Working With Pride Network in the Greater Belfast Area.
• By working alongside community support organisations such as The Rainbow Project.

 Queen's University is at the forefront of Gender Equality and a recognised leader in equality initiatives.

We currently hold two Gold, eight Silver and five Bronze Departmental Athena SWAN Awards and a Silver Institutional Award. 

The University fully recognises its responsibility to protect the rights of transgender people and to ensure that no individual is subject to discrimination or victimisation as a result of the gender in which they present themselves.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming community where staff and students are enabled to meet their full potential and are treated as individuals. 

The University's Transgender Equality Policy is currently being amended and will be available in due course. 

The policy is aimed at providing advice, support and guidance to individuals who wish to take, or have taken, steps to present themselves in a sex different to that assigned to them at birth. 

We recognise that this can a very difficult and complex time for people and wish to act in a sensitive and supportive way by having helpful policies and practices in place to ease any transitional period.

We also hope that the policy will be of assistance to QUB management and staff who are required to provide advice, guidance and assistance to Trans colleagues or students. 

Further help and useful links

The following documents have been provided to help staff and students understand some of the issues, language and appropriate: 

• University Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy (2020) 
• TransEDU (External website)
• Trans Unite (External website)

These documents are for guidance purposes only and may be updated based upon any feedback which is received by the Equality and Diversity Unit.

If you would like to seek further guidance or support, you can find . However, please note that the University is not responsible for the content which appears on third party websites.

‌Sexual orientation is a protected characteristic under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

You are covered by the law if you are gay, lesbian, bisexual (LGB) or straight. 

The law also covers individuals who are treated worse than others due to incorrect assumptions about their sexual orientation or because they associate with people of a particular sexual orientation. 

The University upholds fair treatment of all staff members, including those of married or civil partnership status under the Sex Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 1976.

Read more about the Sex Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 1976.