15% of LGB undergraduates fear losing financial suppor t if they come out to their parents.

49% of LGB students repor ted negative treatment from fellow students due to their sexual orientation.

8.8% of LGB students experienced physical abuse on campus.

From: ECU (2009) Experience of LGBT staff and students in HE

A range of ECU documents may help you in your day-to-day work with LGB students www.ecu.ac.uk/publications

Equality Challenge Unit 7th floor, Queen’s House London, WC2A 3LJ T 020 7438 1010F 020 7434 1011E info@ecu.ac.ukwww.ecu.ac.uk

Student services:supporting LGB students

Tips for an LGB-friendly student service

6 When translating materials, be aware that many languages use terms for LGB people that may be derogatory. Think about the cultural context of the information you are translating.

7 Consider using images of people in same-sex relationships in your publicity material. This will help show the inclusivity of the services you provide.

8 Display a clear statement on your service’s beliefs and values in tackling discrimination, making sure it makes reference to tackling homophobia.

9 Clearly advertise the ways in which LGB students can report discrimination, harassment or bullying.

10 Keep up to date with local support services and groups that may be able to provide specialist support to the students.

1 Avoid making assumptions about an individual’s sexual orientation when offering support; a student will share this information if they feel it is relevant. Never pressure someone into disclosing this information.

2 Some students may be uncomfortable talking about their sexual orientation in front of other people at a busy student services desk. Provide an option for all students to ask to talk in a more private space.

3 Students may not want to discuss issues of homophobia on their first visit to you. Give them time and space to be comfortable.

4 Reflect a student’s choice of language when referring to their identity or relationships. Use gender-neutral words such as ‘partner’.

5 If you are concerned about an LGB student using reclaimed derogatory words such as ‘dyke’, ‘fag’ or ‘queer’, explain your issues in a confidential space. It is never appropriate for an institution to use these words. Most people are comfortable with ‘gay’, ‘lesbian’ and ‘bisexual’.

Find out more about LGB students www.ecu.ac.uk/subjects/ sexual-orientation

Student services play an important role in challenging behaviour which may lead to isolation or discrimination based on sexual orientation.

High quality support for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) students leads to improved retention of talent, increased sense of community on campus and improved academic results.

A well-advertised commitment to LGB equality can enhance an institution’s reputation of being supportive for prospective LGB students.

Coming out on campus

Many LGB students will begin their individual journey of ‘coming out’ as lesbian, gay or bisexual during their time in higher education: the opportunities to live away from home, and to explore and develop self-identity, confidence and independence within a new environment can play a significant role for many individuals.

During this process, students may seek support around sexual orientation and the challenges they may face in personal, family and social relationships.