Resources and Support

At Queen Mary we want to create an inclusive environment where LGBTQA+ staff and students are celebrated; where everyone can be themselves and be treated with kindness, dignity and respect.

Our Strategy 2030 sets out Queen Mary’s commitment and ambition to be the most inclusive university of our kind, anywhere; realising this vision means being a university of choice for LGBTQA+ people to study and work. 

However many LGBTQA+ people continue to experience bigotry, hatred and discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics. 

Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia can take many forms such as name-calling, derogatory jokes, intrusive or hostile questioning, threatening to ‘out’ someone, as well as unwanted physical contact and violence. It can happen verbally, in writing, in person or virtually (eg by email, messages, social media). Whatever form it takes, it is always unacceptable. 

If you experience or witness homophobia, biphobia or transphobia, you can report it (anonymously if you like) and / or access support through the Queen Mary Report + Support tool. 
 
Incidents of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia may constitute a criminal offence as a hate incident or hate crime under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and the Criminal Justice Act 2003. If you believe you have been a victim of a hate incident or hate crime you are within your rights to contact the police. 

You can find out more about the LGBTQA+ community by accessing the following information and resources: 

• Spotlight Profiles; this month they are highlighting members of the LGBTQA+ community at Queen Mary. If you are interested in submitting a Spotlight Profile yourself, you can contact Darren Hunwicks (d.hunwicks@qmul.ac.uk), EDI Officer
• Queen Mary’s Trans Inclusion Statement of Commitment 2022  [PDF]
• Non-binary Inclusion and Allyship booklet [PDF] 
• Bi Inclusion and Allyship booklet [PDF] 
• Ace Inclusion and Allyship booklet [PDF] 
• Being a Trans Ally leaflet [PDF]: find out what we mean by ‘trans’ and what you can do to be a trans ally.
• #PronounsMatter leaflet [PDF]: find out what pronouns are, how to use them, and why they matter as well as how you can show your support for gender diverse staff and students. 

If you are a student at Queen Mary you may wish to reach out to one of the following people / groups for support and advice: 

• Advice and Counselling Service
• Student Support Officer
• Students' Union
• Togetherall
• Personal Tutor

Further external sources of information, resources and support include: 

• East London Out Project (ELOP): a local charity offering a range of support services to LGBTQ+ communities including counselling. 
• Tower Hamlets LGBT Community Forum: a project that aims to bring together LGBT+ people (and allies) who live, work, study or socialise in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. 
• Galop: an LGBTQ+ anti-violence charity, providing support services relating to hate crime, domestic abuse and sexual violence. 
• Switchboard: LGBT+ helpline: provides information, support and referral service for LGBTQ+ and their friends, parents or family. 
• Gendered Intelligence: a charity aiming to increase understanding of gender diversity, specialising in supporting young trans people under 21. 
• Mermaids: supports trans and gender-diverse children, young people and their families. 
• GIRES: works to improve the lives of trans and gender non-conforming people of all ages.
• Stop Hate UK: provides independent, confidential and accessible reporting and support for victims, witnesses and third parties.