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 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 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.

The Diversity and Inclusion unit in the People and Culture Directoratw is helping to create a culture that is inclusive at all levels, in every system and process. Here, you will find a confidential source of advice and support to individual staff members on equality, diversity and inclusion issues as well providing the appropriate equality, diversity and inclusion training for staff. They can also offer confidential advice.

Check out this guideline on how you can support non-binary staff and students in a university setting.

Events and Activism

Information about groups, activities, and events run by LGBT+ students is available from student society QUBLGBTQIA+ and also from your Students' Union. 

Wellbeing Support

Regardless of your issue whether its personal, health related, academic, financial or anything else, please remember that support is available.  Student Wellbeing staff are available to chat through any issues and look at appropriate supports for your situation.  

There is also free, confidential, and non-judgemental counselling support through Inspire Wellbeing. There is also a 24/7 Freephone for all QUB students: 0808 800 0016

The University has a zero tolerance policy for sexual misconduct, bullying, harrassment or any form of hate crime. Students can use the online Report & Support reporting tool to receive further guidance and support to match their needs. There is also the option to report anonymously. 

Check out this guideline on how you can support non-binary staff and students in a university setting.

• The Rainbow Project: The Rainbow Project is a health organisation that works to improve the physical, mental & emotional health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender people in Northern Ireland. They are the foremost LGB&T organisation in Northern Ireland and have two centres: one in Belfast city centre and the other in Foyle, L’Derry.
• HereNI: HERe NI is a community organisation and registered charity based in Belfast. They provide to support lesbian and bisexual women and our families and improve the lives of L & B women across Northern Ireland. They achieve this in lots of different ways: through providing information; peer support; facilitating training; lobbying government and agencies on your behalf, offering a community space for meeting and much more.
• Cara-Friend: Cara-Friend has been serving the LGBTQ+ community in Northern Ireland since 1974. They provide regional LGBTQ+ youth groups across Northern Ireland, one-to-one support for individuals, LGBTQ+ awareness training for professionals and volunteers working in a variety of different areas, community development, the LGBT Switchboard NI helpline service, and the LGBTQ+ Inclusive Schools Programme as well as a range of policy, advocacy and campaigning initiatives.
• Gender Essence are a Specialist Counselling and Support Organisation based in Antrim and Belfast, as well as the Kent area. They are dedicated in offering emotional and theraputic support to those from the Trans* and Gender Variant communities, and also provide training and awareness raising around these issues.
• Mermaids UK
• Belfast Trans Resource Centre: The Belfast Trans Resource Centre is a hub and community space for transgender, non-binary and questioning people and their families across the city.

The University has agreed that attendance at monthly meetings is open to all LGBT+ staff, and is not in lieu of lunch breaks etc. If a member of staff has any difficulties arranging to attend PRISM meetings, they are encouraged to contact the PRISM Chairpersons for assistance and support.  All emails will be treated in confidence.