The rainbow university

Advice on creating a higher education system in which LGBTQ+ students, staff and faculty can thrive

The rainbow university

Despite the huge progress that has been made towards greater inclusivity of gender and sexual orientation, being LGBTQ+ and "out" in higher education is still difficult. This collection of resources looks at what steps can be taken, on an institutional and individual level, to ensure LGBTQ+ scholars, students and staff can flourish, whether in the classroom, research lab or while simply relaxing on campus. From the use of pronouns and inclusive language to wearing of rainbow lanyards and active allyship, even seemingly subtle changes can make a big difference.

Small steps that make a big difference to LGBTQ+ inclusivity

A guide to boosting LGBTQ+ inclusivity in higher education, by Eleanor M. Townsend

Eleanor M. Townsend

University of Exeter

Life on campus

Diverse young people laughing

Making LGBTQ+ individuals feel safe, valued and empowered on campus

Gender-inclusive housing, research opportunities and informed mental health support are among the ways universities can create a welcoming environment for the full spectrum of the queer community

Aaron Davis

University of Washington

Illustration of hands holding puzzle pieces

Intersectionality and why in 2022 inclusion must allow for multiple identities

University diversity policies must include intersectionality, and now is the time make it happen. Paul Harpur, Dino Willox and Brooke Szucs offer five strategies for using diversity as a source of strength and opportunity

Paul Harpur, Dino Willox, Brooke Szücs

The University of Queensland

Three diverse students talking on a university campus

Steps to promote LGBTQ+ students’ well-being on campus

What can universities do to promote greater LGBTQ+ student well-being and positive academic outcomes? Kristen A. Renn provides some answers

Kristen A. Renn

Michigan State University

Research students in a lab

Ways to improve the equitable inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in research and higher education

A summary of actions universities and research bodies should take to create truly equitable, inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ staff and students

Alfredo Carpineti, Matthew Young, Craig Poku

Pride in STEM, Nottingham Trent University

Work ‘with’ not ‘on’: making social research more inclusive for LGBT+ people

How to develop inclusive social research practices that involve carrying out work ‘with’ LGBT+ participants, rather than ‘on’ them, by Paul Willis

Paul Willis

University of Bristol

LGBTQ+ friendly classrooms

University lecturer being an LGBTQ+ ally

How can we make LGBTQ+ students feel welcome through our teaching?

Practise inclusivity, speak out against harmful behaviour in your classroom and, most importantly, continue to learn, says Chris Pearce

Chris Pearce

UNSW Sydney

Group of people disagreeing

Managing excluding behaviour and bigotry in the classroom

A reflective tool to help university teachers manage inappropriate or offensive behaviour in the classroom, presented by Donna Hurford and Valeria Borsotti

Donna Hurford, Valeria Borsotti

University of Southern Denmark, University of Copenhagen

LGBT teacher

Five simple ways to make your classroom more LGBTIQ+ friendly

From encouraging the use of pronouns for all to utilising the power of narrative, Lucas Lixinski marks IDAHOBIT day by offering tips on LGBTIQ+ inclusion

Lucas Lixinski

UNSW Sydney

Image of a non-binary person holding up a sign showing their pronouns

Creating an environment where staff and students feel comfortable sharing their pronouns

Using the correct pronouns is a key part of respectful communication – so where do we begin with creating a university environment where sharing pronouns becomes a natural part of our workplace culture?

Kat Smith

University of the Arts London

Embracing inclusivity with ‘y’all’: why this pronoun deserves a fresh look

In a recent online meeting, a colleague told me that using that word made me sound uneducated. So I set out to see if it is really sending a bad message

Stone Meredith

Colorado State University Global

Creating pathways to leadership

Two women giving a presentation to their colleagues

Administrators can and must act to nurture LGBTQ leaders

Advocacy by straight administrators and expansion of mentoring could increase the number of LGBTQ leaders in higher education, writes Kevin Leonard

Kevin Leonard

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

two young women walk up a rainbow-coloured footpath

Supporting LGBTQ+ aspiring leaders in universities

LGBTQ+ staff bring to campus qualities such as courage and sensitivity that are key to leadership. Now a UK programme aims to develop those strengths in future academic and professional services leaders

Catherine Lee, Daniel Burman

Anglia Ruskin University

Rainbow flag outside Cambridge University for LGBT History Month

How LGBTQ leaders navigate a predominantly non-LGBTQ world

Looking at LGBTQ leadership style as a reaction to the power structures that dominate our culture is essential to finding a common thread through a diverse community, writes Karen Whitney

Karen Whitney

Clarion University

A Pride march with people waving rainbow flags

How can universities support global LGBTQI+ human rights?

From more research to clearly signposted support for international students, UK campuses can do more to advance inclusivity worldwide. Drew Dalton offers four strategies

Drew Dalton

University of Sunderland

Breaking the homonegative life cycle for lesbian, gay and bisexual students in Jamaica

Lesbian, gay and bisexual students in Jamaica experience education punctuated by discriminatory treatment. Craig McNally looks at what university leaders must do to break this homonegative cycle and create inclusive campuses

Craig McNally

University of Technology, Jamaica, The University of the West Indies

Individual insights

Young woman sitting under grey sky with head in hands

What happens when we can’t help a student when they need us most?

The job of university personal tutor is not nine-to-five, and academics in support roles are fallible and don’t always get it right. Catherine Lee shares advice for those times from personal experience

Catherine Lee

Anglia Ruskin University

Allyship for LGBTQ+ in academia and universities

What LGBTQ+ allyship means in academia

Being a queer person who very much appreciates allyship and who tries to be a good ally to others has taught me a few things, says Lucas Lixinski

Lucas Lixinski

UNSW Sydney

Rainbow light bulb in a row of white bulbs

Leadership and the intersectionality of being queer and living with HIV

Coming out as gay was a first step, but it was being open about living with HIV that showed Raymond Crossman how his whole self shaped his role as president. Here, he talks about intersectionality and leadership

Raymond Crossman

Adler University