Strategy 2030 sets out Queen Mary’s commitment and ambition to be the most inclusive university of our kind, anywhere; realising this vision means being a university of choice for LGBTQA+ people to study and work.
The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBiT) is marked globally on 17 May every year to draw attention to the discrimination and violence experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.
The theme of 2021 is Together: Resisting, Supporting, Healing
Homophobia, transphobia and biphobia are terms used to describe the fear or dislike or someone, based on prejudice or negative attitudes, beliefs or views about people who are or are perceived to be lesbian, gay, queer, trans and bi.
This kind of behaviour can take many forms such as name-calling, derogatory jokes, intrusive or hostile questioning, threatening to ‘out’ someone, as well as unwanted physical contact and violence. It can happen verbally, in writing, in person or virtually (eg by email, messages, social media). Whatever form it takes, it is always unacceptable. Find out more information on what homophobia, transphobia and biphobia might look like.
If you experience or witness homophobia, transphobia or biphobia, you can report it (anonymously if you like) and/or access support through our Report + Support tool.
Homophobic, biphobic and transphobic can take many forms and may constitute a criminal offence as a hate incident or hate crime under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and the Criminal Justice Act 2003. If you believe you have been a victim of a hate incident or hate crime you are within your rights to contact the police.
If you feel safe to do so, you can be an active bystander and call it out. Make it clear that you won’t tolerate this kind of behaviour in any form.
You could also reach out to one of the following people/groups for support and advice:
At Queen Mary, we are committed to creating a learning and working environment that is inclusive of and celebrates LGBTQA+ people. We can all do more to combat homophobia, transphobia and biphobia. Find out more below:
Alex Prestage, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Executive Officer to the Vice-Principal (People, Culture and Inclusion)