LGBTQ equality

We understand the importance of studying, working and living in a culture of inclusivity and acceptance, so you can thrive without barriers.

As a , we're dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace for all LGBTQ+ staff and extending the same values to all our students. We also sponsor and the annual LGBTQ+ Film Festival run by 1024�˹�� Film Society.

Find out about the LGBTQ+ support, resources and activities available at the University, how we support the local community, links to local LGBTQ+ support services and groups, and read our reports and policies on equality and diversity, gender identity and expression, and dignity and respect.

LGBTQ+ support and resources at the University

LGBT+ student society

The Students' Union LGBT+ society is a safe place for all students to have fun, make new friends, attend events, run campaigns and discuss current LGBT+ issues.

Equality and Diversity Moodle resources

Resources for our students and staff, including short videos, policies and news covering all equality and diversity areas, including LGBTQ+ (login required).

LGBTQ+ careers support

Our students can get advice on how to identify positive employers, your rights during the recruitment process, and questions around disclosure and marketing yourself to employers. We have specific employment guides about gender, transgender identity and sexual orientation.

Student Wellbeing Service

We offer our students advice and free, confidential support for emotional wellbeing, mental health, and personal and emotional concerns. Our advisers are experienced in providing confidential support to students around issues of sex, gender, sexuality and sexual orientation.

Students getting health and wellbeing support

Find out more

Pride Night

The Students' Union hosts Pride Night in LGBT History Month. Pride Night is a celebration of the LGBT+ community, culture and history and is open to all students, staff and the local community. The party-style event features entertainment, performances and activities, hosted by a well known local Drag Queen.

#RainbowLaces

Rainbow Laces is a campaign supported by Stonewall that encourages sports teams to welcome the LGBT+ community. As part of LGBT History Month, the Students' Union supplies sports clubs with Rainbow Laces, flags and other LGBT+ merchandise to show their support during the month, and during Varsity Cup against the University of Southampton.

Find out more

LGBTQ staff network

An inclusive, supportive and welcoming community open to, and for, all LGBTQ+ members of staff at the 1024�˹�� to discuss work-related issues, abuse or microagressions.

Open day guide helping visitors find their way

University library LGBTQ+ blog

Our Library team write an LGBTQ+ blog with news about events and resources for staff, students and the local community.

Staff and student training

All students and staff can do the transgender e-learning package to better understand how to support gender diverse people. The package is provided by the .

We also provide Transgender Awareness training for staff as part of our learning and development training programme.

As part of our probationary training, all our staff are required to take part in the following equality and diversity training:

Diversity and inclusion in Higher Education
Unconscious bias awareness
Anti-bullying and harassment

Supporting the local community

Pride LGBTQ+ Film Festival

We sponsored the 8th Pride LGBTQ+ Film Festival again in 2021 to celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month in February.

1024�˹�� Pride

After sponsoring Pride 1024�˹�� in 2019, we became a platinum sponsor in 2021, in partnership with the Students' Union. Our sponsorship includes supporting the Pride committee to help them expand and grow their activities.

As a University, we share 1024�˹�� Pride’s ethos of valuing equality and diversity. I’m delighted we can support a local event that showcases this ethos in our city and provides an opportunity for people to come together to celebrate, not only LGBTQ+ equality but respect and inclusion across all our communities.

Sherria Hoskins, University Executive Board (UEB) Equality and Diversity Champion, Civic Lead and Executive Dean for the Faculty of Science and Health

1024�˹�� Pride 2019

Staff and students showed their support for LGBTQ+ equality at the 2019 1024�˹�� Pride, which was proudly sponsored by the 1024�˹��.

Footage from 2019 1024�˹�� Pride, proudly sponsored by the 1024�˹��. (No dialogue)

Local LGBT+ groups and support services

As a student, you'll always have the support of our Student Wellbeing Service, who can give you free, confidential support and signpost you to these services in the local area, which are also available to staff:

– Hampshire and the Isle of Wight's Local LGBTQ+ support charity
Chrysalis – a charity supporting transgender, non-binary and questioning people, their families and close friends
– an alliance of Hampshire-based LBGT+ Networks
– annual Pride festival on the Isle of Wight
1024�˹�� City Council LGBTQ Team – email them at lgbtyoungpeople@portsmouthcc.gov.uk for support as you explore your gender identity and/or sexuality
– projects and one-to-one support in Fareham, Gosport, Havant and Winchester

Official policies and objectives

Explore policies and objectives that relate to LGBTQ+ equality at 1024�˹��. Can't find what you're looking for? Search all our policies and standards or contact our Equality and Diversity team at equality@port.ac.uk.

Equality and Diversity Policy Statement

Requirements of our organisation, staff and students in delivering our commitment to equality and diversity.

Gender Identity and Expression Policy

Our dedication to the inclusion of all students and staff irrespective of how they choose to define themselves with regard to their gender identity.

Dignity and Respect Policy

Our commitment to delivering a working and learning environment of dignity and respect, free from harassment and bullying.

Equality Objectives

All areas of the University have their part in taking forward these objectives and supporting the proposed outcomes.

Reporting hate crime

Our asks all students and staff to take personal responsibility for reporting:

any incidents where dignity and respect is not demonstrated
incidents of bullying and harassment
any form of discrimination that they are aware of

Report and Support tool

Staff and students can use the Report and Support tool to submit an anonymous report of bullying, harassment, assault or a hate crime, or an informal report to request an adviser.

If you witness or experience any experience of harassment, bullying, violence or discrimination at 1024�˹��, you can submit an . We also have a formal complaints procedure for all staff and students.