#UniForReading: Community discussion on LGBT+ issues hosted by University

Themes relating to the LGBT+ community are to be the subject of conversation at an online community discussion, hosted by the University of Reading.

Members of the local community, as well as University staff and students, are invited to the Community Voices event taking place on Tuesday 18 May, 3-4pm.

The aim of the event is to have an open discussion on a broad variety of topics relating to the LGBT+ community. Among others, these topics will include: education around sexuality and gender identity; LGBT+ language and terminology; and biphobia and transphobia.

The online event is the second in a series seeking to broaden conversations about critical issues that affect people's lives in Reading and beyond. It is part of the University's renewed focus to use its skills and resources to engage with people outside its campuses, for the benefit of families, community groups and businesses across the region - strengthening its role as ‘the University for Reading'.

The panel will include:

• Lennox Bruwer (they/them) - University of Reading student and Reading University Students' Union (RUSU) Trans Part Time Officer.
• Lorna McArdle (she/her) - CEO of Support U, an LGBT+ help and support service based in Reading.
• Abi Smith (they/them) - Student Support Coordinator, University of Reading.
• Jordan Wrigley (he/him) - AHEP Senior Programme Administrator, Henley Business School.
• Natasha Matharu (she/they) - University of Reading graduate and artist, creating works in music, choreography and writing.

Dr Allán Laville (he/him), Dean for Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Reading, said: "The University of Reading is committed to creating an inclusive environment where different groups within our community are treated with fairness and respect. We know, however, that the experiences of some groups are less positive than others.

"That is why it is so important to talk openly and hear from people about their own lived experiences and perspectives. Our Community Voices events are a safe space for all to join the conversation, learn from others and support each other.

"As the Bi rep for the LGBT+ Staff Network here at Reading I would like to extend this open invitation and encourage anyone experiencing problems to contact me directly."

The University offers a wide variety of support to staff and students who identify as LGBT+, through an active LGBT+ Staff Network, LGBT+ and Diversity Officers in RUSU, and by the student LGBT+ Society. Further information and resources for the LGBT+ community is listed in the Trans and Gender Identity guidance. The University also operates an LGBT+ Ally network, where non-LGBT+ individuals can demonstrate their support for fairness and equality for everyone across the LGBT+ spectrum.

This event follows a successful first Community Voices event held in March 2021, where around 60 attendees discussed issues around race.

For more information on Thursday's event, and to book a place, please click here.

IDAHOBiT

Monday 17 May 2021 marks International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBiT). As a member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion's programme, the University is proud to be flying the rainbow flag in support of gay, lesbian, bi*, and trans equality.

A virtual flag raising event at 12.30pm will mark the occasion. The event will be hosted by Professor Parveen Yaqoob, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and University Executive Board LGBT+ Champion. She will be joined by representatives from LGBT+ Staff Network and RUSU.

Various activities and events open to staff and students will also take place throughout the day. More information on these can be found on the Staff Portal.