On 1st November, staff and students came together to stand against discrimination, homophobia and transphobia and celebrate City’s LGBTQI+ community. This event was delivered by the LGBTQI+ Society in collaboration with City Students’ Union and delivered in response to recent discriminatory incidents that have taken place on campus.
There was a fantastic turn out from university staff and students who came together at the event. During the event there were impressive speeches from the SU President, LGBTQI+ Society President, University Senior Leadership and the LGBTQI+ Staff Affinity Network.
Anna Whitelock, Associate Dean of School of Communication and Creativity, speaking at the event noted the establishment of the LGBTQI+ Anti-Discrimination Action Group to tackle discrimination and celebrate the LGBTQI+ community at City. The Action Group has representation from across City including the students’ union and LGBTQI+ Society and has so far met twice this term.
Gabi, LGBTQI+ Society President, provided a powerful reminder during her speech on the importance of allyship to support LGBTQI+ students and staff. Following the event Gabi said; "Love Wins was a spectacular, yet temporary reminder of the kind of support that LGBTQI+ students at City have from their allies around uni. It is my hope that this temporary period of demonstrated allyship persists in everyone's minds and encourages them to always make their allyship visible, not just in times of need and reflection. And to the brilliant LGBTQI+ community at City: Keep being unapologetically yourselves!"
Attendees at the event were also encouraged to report any discriminatory, homophobic or transphobic abuse through the You Report, We Support tool. The You Report, We Support tool makes it simple to confidentially report issues and ensure you are followed up with to receive support.
Attendees were invited to sign the City LGBTQI+ Inclusivity pledge. The pledge asked attendees to:
- Condemn and call out homophobia, transphobia and discrimination in all its forms.
- Use my position as leader to promote a culture of respect and inclusivity across the university and within my student group/School/Directorate.
- Report any homophobic, transphobic or discriminatory remarks or messages.
- Engage with future university and students’ union equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives and training, and actively promote these opportunities to my student and staff networks.
You can still sign the pledge at the SU Welcome Desk in Tait Building until the end of November. The signed pledges will then be put on display on campus.