The UK is quickly becoming one of the safest and most inclusive places for members of the LGBT+ community. Newcastle University is one of the most supportive and progressive places to study in the UK because of its support networks and policies.
So what support is offered and how is Newcastle University one of the most LGBT+ friendly places to study in the UK?
- How is Newcastle University LGBT+ friendly?
- What LGBT+ support is offered at Newcastle?
- The LGBT+ Society
How is Newcastle University LGBT+ friendly?
Newcastle University champions itself as a LGBT+ friendly institution and we’re constantly striving to find new ways in which we can remain an inclusive place to study.
We are currently part of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme, which is a forum for the leading best-practice employers who are committed to creating inclusive spaces for students.
It gives us access to an amazing knowledge bank, allowing us to benefit from a huge pool of experience. This means we can continue making Newcastle University a safe location for all students.
The Rainbow Network
Newcastle University also employs the Rainbow Network, which has many purposes:
- supporting LGBT+ students and staff
- challenging heteronormativity, which is the belief that heterosexuality and the gender binary is the default sexual and gender orientation
- promoting the inclusion of people of diverse genders, sexualities and relationships
The Rainbow Network creates change for individuals and groups, changing structures and systems that might not support them. The Network is open to any staff or student, offering them support, education, celebration and promotion. The Rainbow Network is able to influence Newcastle University’s policies which are relevant to LGBT+ inclusion.
Within the university, we are transforming our practices so that LGBT+ issues are always considered when it comes to beginning new programmes and reviewing existing policies.
You can view the terms of the Rainbow Network here and discover their purpose and activities.
What LGBT+ support is offered at Newcastle?
Whoever you are, being a student can present some challenges, such as deadlines, budgeting or missing home. We also understand that LGBT+ students may worry about additional challenges such as discrimination. As one of the most gay-friendly universities in the UK, Newcastle University offers a range of support.
We’re dedicated to improving the living experience of all students, which means supporting those who are part of the LGBT+ community. We also have support tailored for those who identify as transgender or non-binary and welcome all into our University community. All our support is confidential and tailored to suit your needs.
For example, we have a Student Union LGBT+ officer. Each year, an officer is elected to represent LGBT+ students within the Students Union. This officer works to raise awareness around the university campus in an effort to combat homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and other forms of discrimination.
Students are able to contact the LGBT+ Officer by email if you need advice on university-related LGBTQA+ issues.
This is only one example of the support we’re able to offer. For more information on how we can help, read through our LGBTQA+ Support page.
The LGBT+ Society
Newcastle University has a LGBT+ Society who are a social and support liberation group. They run social meetings as well as discussions to help gain awareness for LGBT+ issues and also for people to make friends.
The society runs regular socials on Sundays and Mondays, with other unique events being held throughout the term. It’s an opportunity for students to meet like-minded people and make lifelong friends, as well as enjoying discussions on books, attending film screenings and going on trips.
Here at Newcastle, we’re always looking for ways to help students feel welcome. If you’re new to the country or considering studying in the UK, we’ve developed a guide to British culture which will help you feel more at home here.
Discover British culture in our helpful guide
The guide to British culture covers a lot of different topics, from weather in the UK to the cuisine, from information on the Royal Family to stereotypes about British people. It’s full of interesting and amusing facts that will help you get to know this fascinating country.
If you’d like to learn more about British culture, click on the link below.
