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21 May 2010 14:00:11
A new group which addresses issues around sexual orientation and transgender concerns has been launched at the University.
The University has endorsed the setting up of the Sexual Orientation and Transgender Forum – one of only a small number of universities to establish such a group.
Addressing the launch event, Vice Chancellor Professor Les Ebdon CBE said he was proud to lead an organisation that was so ethnically diverse and was working hard to create a culture of respect and trust in which all people felt comfortable and welcome.
He said: “It is important that we stand tall as a University and say we value respect and thrive on respecting the differences of other people. Respect is part of the value set of the University. I am delighted to endorse the launch of this Forum.”
The Forum aims to highlight sexual orientation and transgender issues at the University and support its efforts to become an employer and place of study of choice for staff and students of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
Speaking at the launch of the Forum, Daniel Danso from Stonewall, a charity which campaigns on behalf of lesbian, gay and bisexual people, said he strongly supported the University’s move to creating a more inclusive environment. “You have an opportunity to do something fantastic here, and the more you think about what you want from the Forum at the start of this process, the better it will be.”
Also speaking was Jay McNeil who is studying health psychology at Sheffield Hallam University where he co-founded TransBareAll, an organisation that aims to support transpeople. Jay underlined the importance of training for staff to understand the complex issues surrounding transgender and transsexual people and for mechanisms allowing students to feed back their concerns. “For many students this will be their first time away from home which can be a liberating experience, but they may also have concerns that they will not receive the right levels of support.”
Professor Ebdon added: “We have an opportunity with this Forum for people to share knowledge and to give them support and the confidence to know that these issues are on the agenda at this University.”
Photo shows (left to right) Professor Les Ebdon CBE, Daniel Danso from Stonewall and student Jay McNeil.
Latest news» 2010» May» Sexual Orientation and Transgender Forum launched
