LGBT Information, Events and Resources

This page has specific information for lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and trans-sexual students and graduates.

What the Law says

The Equality Act 2010 covers nine protected characteristics, which cannot be used as a reason to treat people unfairly.  Amongst those nine protected characteristics are sexual orientation and gender reassignment. The Equality Act sets out the ways in which it is unlawful to treat someone, such as direct and indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation.

Home Office Equality Act website

If you’re a transsexual person, the new law could help you if:
• you’ve changed your sex
• you’re in the process of changing your sex, or
• you have simply told someone that you are planning to change your sex.

Under the Equality Act, there is wider protection from discrimination and harassment. You mustn’t be discriminated against or harassed, because you’ve started the process of changing your sex. You’ll also be protected from direct discrimination as a result of being associated with someone who is transsexual, for example if you’re their partner; or if you are discriminated against by someone because they think you are a transsexual, even if you aren’t. In addition, you’ll also be protected from indirect discrimination, where a rule, policy or practice particularly disadvantages transsexual people and can’t be justified.

'Positive action' is when something is done to to help someone with a protected characteristic.  There are various reasons why it may be appropriate to take positive action, such as if people with that characteristic are under-represented in an activity or type of work. Some of the events listed on this page, such as Diversity Careers Shows and Inside and Out aim to encourage  LGBT students and graduates to consider careers in areas where there is current under-representation.

Stonewall’s lesbian, gay & bi-sexual recruitment guide

The latest edition is filled with interview tips, advice for jobseekers and gay-friendly employers.  Copies are available to collect from the Careers Service or you can view the Guide online via the Stonewall website. (link below)

Stonewall also produce a list of the top 100 employers for lesbian, gay and bi-sexual people, and have details on their website of jobs with Diversity Champions - employers who demonstrate a commitment to a diverse workforce by engaging with Stonewall on their Diversity Champions' programme. 

Go to Stonewall website

Do you disclose your sexual orientation to an employer, or not?

This is a completley personal decision, and there is no right or wrong answer. It may also depend on a number of factors, such as whether it is in fact relevant to your work, and the attitudes of your employer and colleagues towards diversity. The AGCAS Guide - 'Diversity matters -Sexual Orientation' has some useful advice, and you might wish to talk to a Careers Adviser confidentially about this issue. Follow the link below to view the AGCAS Guide - Diversity Matters - Sexual Orientation.

There is also a similar Guide on Transsexual and Trans-Gender Issues, and there is a support network led by Ricki Arundel within the University. Follow the link at the foot of the page to view the AGCAS Guide.

Gay Business Association

The Gay Business Association describes itself as a 'modern day, gay chamber of commerce,' and focuses on providing networking opportunities to make useful business contacts and training for LGBT professionals in legal, marketing, business development and employment issues. The GBA works with Government and others to develop the gay market and encourage gay-owned start-ups.

Gay Business Association

Further Links

Go to AGCAS Guide - 'Diversity Matters-Sexual Orientation' 

Go to AGCAS Guide - Diversity Matters- Transsexual and Trans-Gender Issues

Gay and Lesbian Association of Dentists and Doctors

Lesbian and Gay Lawyers Association