Finding Support That Reflects Your Identity and Experiences

The University of Wolverhampton is committed to creating an environment where everyone can be themselves and feel respected, valued and included.

We recognise that sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics can shape an individual's experiences of university life, work, relationships, wellbeing and support services.

Whilst our University services strive to provide inclusive, compassionate and trauma-informed support, we also recognise that some people may prefer to access support from organisations that specialise in supporting LGBTQIA+ communities.

There is no right or wrong choice.

What matters is finding support that feels safe, affirming and appropriate for you.

Understanding LGBTQIA+

LGBTQIA+ is an umbrella term that may include people who identify as:

  • Lesbian
  • Gay
  • Bisexual
  • Transgender
  • Queer or Questioning
  • Intersex
  • Asexual
  • Aromantic
  • Non-binary
  • Genderfluid
  • Other diverse sexual orientations and gender identities

Not everyone chooses to use these labels, and individuals may describe their identity in different ways.

We recognise and respect that diversity.

Everyone's Experience Is Different

LGBTQIA+ people are not a single group and experiences can vary significantly.

Some people may experience:

  • discrimination or prejudice;
  • harassment or hate crime;
  • challenges relating to coming out;
  • concerns about acceptance;
  • isolation or exclusion;
  • difficulties within family or community relationships;
  • barriers to accessing support;
  • mental health and well-being challenges;
  • concerns about safety or belonging.

Others may not identify with these experiences at all.

There is no single LGBTQIA+ experience.

Support Without Assumptions

At the University, we aim to provide support that:

  • respects individual identities;
  • avoids assumptions;
  • values lived experience;
  • promotes dignity and inclusion;
  • recognises diverse experiences and needs.

You should never feel pressured to disclose more about your identity than you feel comfortable sharing.

Support should be led by your needs, not assumptions about who you are.

Internal Support

University support services are available to all students and staff.

This may include:

  • Safeguarding Support
  • Student Life Services
  • Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
  • Disability and Inclusion Services
  • Human Resources Support
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Networks
  • Students' Union Support

Our staff are committed to creating safe and inclusive environments where individuals can access support without fear of judgment.

Specialist LGBTQIA+ Support

Some individuals may prefer to access support from organisations that specialise in supporting LGBTQIA+ communities.

These organisations may offer expertise in areas such as:

  • sexual orientation;
  • gender identity;
  • gender expression;
  • transition-related support;
  • mental health and wellbeing;
  • hate crime;
  • family relationships;
  • advocacy and representation.

Choosing specialist support is a valid and important option.

Many people access both University and external support services.

Hate Crime and Discrimination

No one should experience harassment, discrimination or abuse because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

If you have experienced:

  • homophobic abuse;
  • biphobic abuse;
  • transphobic abuse;
  • harassment;
  • discrimination;
  • hate crime;
  • online abuse;

Support is available.

You can raise concerns through Report + Support, speak to an adviser, access safeguarding support or seek support from specialist organisations.

Trans, Non-Binary and Gender Diverse Support

We recognise that trans, non-binary and gender diverse individuals may experience specific challenges relating to:

  • identity and belonging;
  • social transition;
  • legal documentation;
  • healthcare pathways;
  • discrimination and prejudice;
  • safety and inclusion.

Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect.

Support is available regardless of where you are in your personal journey.

Questioning Your Identity

Some people access support because they are exploring or questioning aspects of their identity.

This is entirely normal.

You do not need to have all the answers before seeking support.

Support services can provide a confidential space to explore questions, concerns and experiences without pressure or expectation.

Allyship and Supporting Others

You do not need to be LGBTQIA+ to play a positive role in creating an inclusive community.

Allyship can include:

  • listening respectfully;
  • challenging discrimination;
  • avoiding assumptions;
  • respecting names and pronouns;
  • supporting people to access help when needed.

Creating an inclusive environment is a shared responsibility.

Belonging Matters

A sense of belonging is important for wellbeing, learning and success.

At Wolverhampton, we believe everyone should feel able to:

  • be themselves;
  • express their identity safely;
  • access support without fear;
  • participate fully in university life;
  • Challenge discrimination and prejudice.

Remember

You do not have to face challenges alone.

Whether you choose University services, specialist LGBTQIA+ organisations, peer support networks or a combination of support options, support is available.

The right support is the support that helps you feel safe, respected and empowered to be yourself.

General Support:

  • Gendered Intelligence: exist to increase understandings of gender diversity through creative ways. They work with the trans community and those who impact on trans lives; and they particularly specialise in supporting young trans people aged 8-25. 
  • Gender Trust: For people whose lives are affected by gender identity issues. 
  • Stonewall: a charity that campaigns on issues affecting lesbian, gay and bisexual people. 
  • Stonewall Housing Advice: the advice branch of Stonewall which focuses on housing. 
  • The Asexual Visibility and Education Network: hosts the world's largest online asexual community as well as a large archive of resources on asexuality. Provides email to support to people who identify as asexual and their friends and family. 
  • Trans Unite: is a comprehensive resource for people in the UK searching for support in the transgender community. The easy to use and mobile friendly website connects you to an established network of trans support groups both in your local area and those who offer online support. 
  • LGBT Foundation: LGBT Foundation offers a range of specialist support services to LGBTQ+ people on topics such as talking therapies, sexual health support and domestic abuse support

Mental Health: 

  • Mind list of resources: Mind provides a list of organisations that can offer support for LGBTQIA+ groups
  • Antidote: a service that offers information and support exclusively to LGBT+ people around drugs, alcohol and addiction.
  • Birmingham LBGT Centre:  voluntary organisation providing advice and support to LGBT+ people in Birmingham. Offers counselling, well-being services and wide range of support groups. 
  • LGBT Health and Wellbeing: are a unique community initiative that promotes the health, wellbeing and equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Scotland.
  • MindOut: a mental health service for LGBT+ people which provides advice, information, advocacy, peer support groups, mentoring and wellbeing events. 
  • Pink Therapy: has a directory listing qualified therapists throughout the UK who work with the LGBT+ community from a positive stance. 
  • Switchboard: A one-stop listening service for LGBT+ people on the phone, email and instant messaging service. 

Domestic Violence, Sexual Violence and Sexual Health: 

  • Brook Advisory: Brook's aims for young people to take control of their sexual health, enjoy healthy relationships and explore their identities. 
  • LGBT HERO  LGBT HERO is the national health and wellbeing charity dedicated to uplifting and supporting LGBTQ+ people
  • Positively UK: talk to them about any aspect of your diagnosis, care and living with HIV. 
  • Terrence Higgins Trust: is a national sexual health charity that provides information and support on STI's/HIV, and where to get tested. 
  • Loving Me: online support for trans and non binary domestic abuse survivors

Harassment, Discrimination and Hate Crime: 

  • Equality Advisory and Support Service: an organisation that provides advice on discrimination and human rights issues. 
  • Galop: a charity working to prevent and challenge homophobic and transphobic hate crime.
  • Glitch:  a charity working to end online abuse  and championing digital citizenship. They focus their efforts on four key areas: Awareness, Advocacy, Action and Anchor.
  • Right to Be: a charity working to build safe, inclusive public spaces by transforming the culture that perpetuates harassment and discrimination.

Advocacy and Legal Support: 

  • No Going Back: provide support and legal representation to people who are seeking asylum in the UK because they fear persecution in their own country due to their sexual orientation.
  • Rainbow Immigration: a charity that promotes equality and dignity for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people who seek asylum in the UK, or who wish to immigrate here to be with their same-sex partner. 

Parents and/or Carers:

  • Depend: an organisation offering free, confidential and non-judgemental advice, information and support to adults in the UK with a trans partner, friend or adult family member who is considering or undergoing transition, or who has transitioned.

Faith:

  • One Body One Faith: want to help churches and faith communities to have intelligent and compassionate conversations about sexuality, and we want individuals to be able to integrate their sexuality and spirituality in ways which are healthy and life-affirming. 
  • Quest: A pastoral support for LGBT+ Catholics.

 The University of Wolverhampton is not responsible for the content of external sites. 

If you believe that any of these support services should not be promoted or you have a suggestion for an additional support service, please let us know via ReportandSupport@wlv.ac.uk. We would really welcome your feedback and ideas.

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