Useful links

• Forum Terms of Reference
• Information about York and District LGBT Forum

Resources

Trans Staff and Students in higher education - guidance for the HE sector from the Equality Challenge Unit

 

Forum Meetings 2011-12:

On Monday 12th March 2012 the forum met to discuss issues arising from the Staff Survey 2011 in relation to lesbian, gay and bisexual staff. Contact the Equality and Diversity office for further information.

 

Information about the Forum:

This University staff equality forum was set up to help inform and influence the University's work on equality in relation to its gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex staff and to work towards a culture in which all members of the university community are able to participate and fulfil their potential in an environment where they are valued and respected.

The forum was launched on 25th February 2008 by the Vice Chancellor and a talk was given by Seth Atkin, an Equality Support Official of the University College Union.

 

Previous Forum Meetings:

At the Autumn Term 2010 meeting Dr Liz McDermott of the Department of Social Policy and Social Work led a discussion: Researching and monitoring young people’s sexual orientation: Asking the right questions, at the right time.

At the summer term 2010 meeting Lydia Malmedie from Stonewall gave a presentation on "Education for all - addressing homophic bullying and creating an inclusive university". This was followed by a workshop and discussion.

A meeting of the staff equality forum 'LGBTI Matters' took place on the 9th March 2009 on the topic of trans awareness.  Professional speaker and trainer Rikki Arundel of GenderShift  - a trans woman and masters graduate in gender research spoke at the meeting.   For further information see www.gendershift.com/ 

• At the meeting on 4th December 2008, the focus was on research taking place within the University relating to LGBTI matters. Dr. Adrian Lee gave a presentation on his research on Gay men: their life experiences, ageing and sexual identities.
• Information was also given on a University and College Union Conference held at Northumbria University: "Becoming or Unbecoming: LGBT Research in the 21st Century"

• Aims of the Forum:

• 1. Inform and influence the University’s approach to equality by contributing experience, expertise and ideas

2. Offer opportunities for peer networking, support and development

3. Provide an important way for the University to seek the views of its diverse staff community.

The Forum will aim to meet once a term and will include occasional guest speakers who will be invited to talk about a variety of relevant topics.

Membership of the Forum is inclusive and open to all staff committed to equality relating to sexual orientation and gender identity.

 

Equality and Diversity Adviser

March 2012