LGBTQ+ students

The University of Manchester LGBTQ Society aims to support all LGBTQ+ students at university. Whether you would like to meet new LGBTQ+ people, get advice or volunteer, they can help and direct you with all of this and more!

The society welcomes all those that identify under the LGBTQ+ spectrum, you are more than welcome to come if you feel like you don’t (or don’t want to) identify under a specific label – just be yourself! The society provides a welcoming environment that aims to be free from any discrimination and judgment. They organise a wide variety of social events from club nights in the Student’s Union and bar crawls on Canal Street to non-alcoholic socials such as their tea cup crawl in the Northern Quarter and regular coffee socials in the LGBT+ Centre (Sidney Street Café). The society is open to students at all stages of university including postgraduates, mature students, students who have come to Manchester for their semester/year abroad and also students that have taken a break from University. We welcome students from many different backgrounds including those that are BAME and International. To keep up to date with all the events, follow their social media profiles, all the links can be found on the website https://manchesterstudentsunion.com/activities/view/lbbtqsoc

The society also has a secret Facebook group which members are allowed to join. This is especially good if you are not out or would like to meet other LGBTQ+ students at the University privately. To be added to the group please contact the LGBTQ Society either on their Facebook page or by emailing them at uomlgbtqsociety@gmail.com

The University aims to provide support for students from all different ethnic backgrounds. Both the Staff Network and the LGBTQ Society organise a wide variety of accessible and inclusive events that welcome international students, the LGBTQ Society also organises LGBTQ+ BAME and international only socials. The university recognises that students from different backgrounds may be struggle with their identity especially when coming from cultures where discrimination and prejudice exist. If you need support at any time, please use the links throughout this page to seek out support.  

The Student’s Union has two officers who focus and campaign on issues affecting Trans and non-binary people. To get in touch with them, please email George Virgo, Trans Students’ Officer at ve.virgo@student.manchester.ac.uk

More information about this campaign, can be found here: https://manchesterstudentsunion.com/diversity-and-liberation/trans-students

If you would like to get involved, please feel free to get in touch with the relevant campaign.

The Stonewall Workplace Equality Index is a ranking list of British employers compiled annually by the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality charity and training provider Stonewall. It is advertised as a "definitive list showcasing the best employers for lesbian, gay, bi and trans staff".

The University is currently ranked 7^th in Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers in its Workplace Equality Index, a powerful benchmarking tool used by employers to assess their achievements and progress on LGBT+ equality in the workplace, as well as their wider work in the community and on service provision.

This work also extends to students and their time at the University.  You can find out more about the activities on our Stonewall Pages

Over 100 staff have signed up to be LGBT Allies – they are easily identified with rainbow flags, stickers and lanyards.  This means you can feel confident and assured when discussing any issues that might related to your sexuality.  They’ll be able to give advice and signpost you appropriately.

If you need help getting in touch with one of our Allies, please email equalityanddiversity@manchester.ac.uk

Our official community partner is the Proud Trust.  They are a great resource and a centre where people can go for support around a number of LGBT issues.  They also have a great friendly café! The Proud Trust is an LGBT+ charity that the University and The LGBTQ Society work closely with. It’s based at Manchester LGBT+ centre, which has Sidney Street Café in, where the LGBTQ Society and Staff Network meet weekly to relax and socialise. The Proud Trust is focuses on supporting young LGBTQ+ people aged 16-25 and are home to many different groups.

There is no specific LGBTQ+ only accommodation. However, the accommodation that the university provides is inclusive of all students including those that identify under the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

Click on the interactive map link, then tick the Universal/all gender toilets box to discover gender-neutral facilities.

Canal Street is very close to the university and is famous for its LGBT nightlife. It has many LGBTQ+ nightclubs and bars which are very popular amongst students, if you enjoy clubbing or are wanting to explore the nightlife, Canal Street is a diverse and great place to go. The LGBTQ+ society organises events at Canal Street through the year.

Other locations in Northern Quarter that you may wish to explore are Queer Lit and Feel Good Club.

The University has detailed guidance on pronouns. They encourage people to include their gender pronouns on their email signature and online meeting profiles.

We have several pieces of guidance which you will find useful.

Trans Guidance

Trans Policy

Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Staff – Guidance for Managers

For an official reply from the University of Manchester concerning any LGBTQ+ related queries or support, please email lgbt@manchester.ac.uk

For a reply concerning general LGBTQ+ student life at the university, support or more information on the society and what it does, please email uomlgbtqsociety@gmail.com

For enquires including campaigns and media for LGBQ+ students please email: uomlgbqcampaign@gmail.com

For enquires including campaigns, and media for Trans and non-binary students please email: uomtranscampaign@gmail.com