Proud supporters of LGBTQ+
We're committed to improving the representation, progression and success of our LGBTQ+ staff and students
We understand the importance of studying, working and living in a culture of inclusivity and acceptance, so you can thrive without barriers.
As a Stonewall Diversity Champion, we're dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace for all LGBTQ+ staff and extending the same values to all our students. We also sponsor Portsmouth Pride and the annual LGBTQ+ Film Festival run by Portsmouth Film Society.
Find out about the LGBTQ+ support, resources and activities available at the University, how we support the local community, links to local LGBTQ+ support services and groups, and read our reports and policies on equality and diversity, gender identity and expression, and dignity and respect.
LGBTQ+ support and resources at the University
LGBT+ student society
The Students' Union LGBT+ society is a safe place for all students to have fun, make new friends, attend events, run campaigns and discuss current LGBT+ issues.
Equality and Diversity Moodle resources
Resources for our students and staff, including short videos, policies and news covering all equality and diversity areas, including LGBTQ+ (login required).
LGBTQ+ careers support
Our students can get advice on how to identify positive employers, your rights during the recruitment process, and questions around disclosure and marketing yourself to employers. We have specific employment guides about gender, transgender identity and sexual orientation.
Student Wellbeing Service
We offer our students advice and free, confidential support for emotional wellbeing, mental health, and personal and emotional concerns. Our advisers are experienced in providing confidential support to students around issues of sex, gender, sexuality and sexual orientation.
Pride Night
The Students' Union hosts Pride Night in LGBT History Month. Pride Night is a celebration of the LGBT+ community, culture and history and is open to all students, staff and the local community. The party-style event features entertainment, performances and activities, hosted by a well known local Drag Queen.
#RainbowLaces
Rainbow Laces is a campaign supported by Stonewall that encourages sports teams to welcome the LGBT+ community. As part of LGBT History Month, the Students' Union supplies sports clubs with Rainbow Laces, flags and other LGBT+ merchandise to show their support during the month, and during Varsity Cup against the University of Southampton.
LGBTQ staff network
An inclusive, supportive and welcoming community open to, and for, all LGBTQ+ members of staff at the University of Portsmouth to discuss work-related issues, abuse or microagressions.
University library LGBTQ+ blog
Our Library team write an LGBTQ+ blog with news about events and resources for staff, students and the local community.
Staff and student training
All students and staff can do the transgender e-learning package to better understand how to support gender diverse people. The package is provided by the Gender Identity Research & Education Society (GIRES).
We also provide Transgender Awareness training for staff as part of our learning and development training programme.
As part of our probationary training, all our staff are required to take part in the following equality and diversity training:
- Diversity and inclusion in Higher Education
- Unconscious bias awareness
- Anti-bullying and harassment
Supporting the local community
Pride LGBTQ+ Film Festival
We sponsored the 8th Pride LGBTQ+ Film Festival again in 2021 to celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month in February.
Portsmouth Pride
After sponsoring Pride Portsmouth in 2019, we became a platinum sponsor in 2021, in partnership with the Students' Union. Our sponsorship includes supporting the Pride committee to help them expand and grow their activities.
As a University, we share Portsmouth Pride’s ethos of valuing equality and diversity. I’m delighted we can support a local event that showcases this ethos in our city and provides an opportunity for people to come together to celebrate, not only LGBTQ+ equality but respect and inclusion across all our communities.
Portsmouth Pride 2019
Staff and students showed their support for LGBTQ+ equality at the 2019 Portsmouth Pride, which was proudly sponsored by the University of Portsmouth.
Footage from 2019 Portsmouth Pride, proudly sponsored by the University of Portsmouth. (No dialogue)
Local LGBT+ groups and support services
As a student, you'll always have the support of our Student Wellbeing Service, who can give you free, confidential support and signpost you to these services in the local area, which are also available to staff:
- Breakout Youth – Hampshire and the Isle of Wight's Local LGBTQ+ support charity
- Chrysalis – a charity supporting transgender, non-binary and questioning people, their families and close friends
- Hampshire LGBT+ Alliance – an alliance of Hampshire-based LBGT+ Networks
- Isle of Wight Pride – annual Pride festival on the Isle of Wight
- Portsmouth City Council LGBTQ Team – email them at lgbtyoungpeople@portsmouthcc.gov.uk for support as you explore your gender identity and/or sexuality
- Y Services – projects and one-to-one support in Fareham, Gosport, Havant and Winchester
Official policies and objectives
Explore policies and objectives that relate to LGBTQ+ equality at Portsmouth. Can't find what you're looking for? Search all our policies and standards or contact our Equality and Diversity team at equality@port.ac.uk.
Equality and Diversity Policy Statement
Requirements of our organisation, staff and students in delivering our commitment to equality and diversity.
Gender Identity and Expression Policy
Our dedication to the inclusion of all students and staff irrespective of how they choose to define themselves with regard to their gender identity.
Dignity and Respect Policy
Our commitment to delivering a working and learning environment of dignity and respect, free from harassment and bullying.
Equality Objectives
All areas of the University have their part in taking forward these objectives and supporting the proposed outcomes.
Reporting hate crime
Our Dignity and Respect policy asks all students and staff to take personal responsibility for reporting:
- any incidents where dignity and respect is not demonstrated
- incidents of bullying and harassment
- any form of discrimination that they are aware of
Report and Support tool
Staff and students can use the Report and Support tool to submit an anonymous report of bullying, harassment, assault or a hate crime, or an informal report to request an adviser.
If you witness or experience any experience of harassment, bullying, violence or discrimination at Portsmouth, you can submit an anonymous report or an informal report to request an adviser. We also have a formal complaints procedure for all staff and students.
Be a part of our community
If you're looking for a new community to call home, whether to further your studies or start a new role, find the perfect course or job with us.
Portsmouth Pride image by Goble Photography.