University can be a wonderful experience for students but depending on who you are, it can be made more difficult by outdated guidance, viewpoints, and violence by other students, staff, or local community. Although students may find University the best time to come out as LGBTQ+, it can still be difficult due to this hate and prejudice of others. Stonewall's LGBT in Briatain - University Report (2018), found:
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46% of LGBT students witnessed negative comments or conduct at university in the last year directed at another student or a member of staff perceived to be LGBT.
- 7% of trans students were physically attacked at university in the last year because of being trans.
- 16% of non-binary students and 10% of trans students don’t feel able to be themselves at university, compared to six per cent of LGB students who aren't trans. This number is also increased for LGBT disabled students, 14%, and LGBT students of faith, 11%.
There area a lot of things that can be done to help protect LGBTQ+ students and make them feel safer at University, such as creating accomodation to spepcifically meet their needs. We are seeing if this is something LGBTQ+ at the University of Leicester want so that it can be highlighted and worked on. If you are an LGBTQ+ studet and want to share your opinion on this idea, please click here to fill in the survey.
If you have any queries, email su-voice@leciester.ac.uk
Closing date for the survey is Decmeber 19 2022