LGBT+ Students

Do you identify as LGBT+? Here at Hallam, we try to foster a diverse and supportive environment for all of our students.

That’s why Sheffield Hallam is only one of six universities to receive a ranking of 10 out of 10 in Stonewall’s ‘Gay by Degree’ University Guide.  We are very proud of this and will continue working to make sure that Hallam is an open and inclusive place for you to study, because we believe that “people perform better when they can be themselves.”

Here is some information that we hope will help you to make the most of your time with us, and some useful contacts if you need to speak with someone about an LGBT+ related issue.

Who can I talk to about an LGBT+ issue?

There are several places where you can go for advice, guidance, or just a friendly ear.

  • The LGBT+ liberation group run various social events which you are welcome to join. They have a Facebook page and group.
  • If something is affecting your ability to study, your faculty-based Student Support Officer may be able to help.  You can contact them via your faculty helpdesk.
  • If you are struggling with a personal issue and are finding it hard to cope, the Student Wellbeing Service could help you.  If appropriate, they can refer you to counselling or other forms of mental health and wellbeing support.
  • The Student Union Advice Service can offer advice and support on a wide range of issues, including bullying and harassment.  You can contact them here.
  • If you are a transgender student and would like to talk to someone about how the University can best support you, you can book an appointment with a Student Services Adviser by emailing inclusivesupport@shu.ac.uk Depending on your circumstances you may also be entitled to financial support to help with additional costs or limited availability to work during your transition. See the Hallam Hardship Fund page for full details.

Coming Out at University

You will meet a lot of new people at university, and will have to make a decision whether and who you choose to tell about your sexual and/or gender identity.  This is obviously a deeply personal decision, and you shouldn’t feel pressured into telling anyone if you don’t want to.  Whatever your decision, and whatever the reasons for it, we want you to feel supported throughout your transition to life at University.

If you find that you need to get confidential support or advice about this our Student Wellbeing service may be able to support you.  Many students access the service about a wide range of issues and there is no risk of disclosure to fellow students or faculty.

  • The LGBT+ charity Stonewall has some useful advice and pointers about coming out, on their website.
  • The RUComingOut website has lots of articles about coming out, including lots of ‘coming out stories’ from people of different ages and backgrounds, which may help you to think about what to expect.

It is important to remember that the vast majority of students who came out at University reported that it was a really positive experience for them.

The LGBT+ Scene in Sheffield

If you can’t find something to suit you at SHU, don’t forget that Sheffield has a large LGBT+ community who are very active and have formed lots of social groups. It’s worth checking out the “Sheffield Help Yourself” website, which lets you search for community groups and networks by keyword and subject.

Will being LGBT+ make a difference when I try to get a job?

If you are worried about being out in the workplace, you might be interested in talking to an adviser in the Careers & Employability team about disclosure.  Their website also has information about your legal rights.  Stonewall’s Starting Out Careers Guide is a useful starting point, and has lots of handy tips and information about LGBT+ friendly employers.

Further Resources

Student Minds

Student Minds, the UK’s student mental health charity have gathered lots of tips and information from university professionals and Student Minds alumni to create a guide for LGBT+ students and friends.

Here’s what you can find on their page:

Our Information for trans students guide has been created by our Student Wellbeing Service and is designed to point you in the right direction if you are trans, questioning your gender identity, or supporting someone who is.

MindLine

Staff and volunteers of MindLine Somerset & MindLine Bristol, established providers of mental health helplines, operate a specific Transgender/Non-binary helpline for the whole of the UK, in addition to their existing MindLine services.

The service operates on Mondays and Fridays of each week from 8pm until midnight by Trans+ volunteers and allies. MindLine Trans+ offers emotional support to people who are Trans+, A Gender, Gender Fluid and Non-binary and anyone wanting to talk about their gender identity. The helpline is also there to offer support and information to family and friends.

For more information, please contact the MindLine Admin office at:

Email:                                    mindline@bristolmind.org.uk

Or visit our website:       www.bristolmind.org.uk/mindline-transplus

Please also follow our social media for updates on other events and services:

Facebook:                           http://www.facebook.com/MindlineTrans/

Twitter:                                http://twitter.com/MindlineTrans

 

SHU LGBT+ Reading List OnLine

This list has links to many LGBT+ books, journal articles and resources within the Library and is frequently updated. You can find it here.