LGBTQ+
Whether you're out, prefer not to be visible, or are unsure of your sexual and/or gender identity, we are striving to be a place where you feel like you can belong.
Explore this page to learn about the support available to LGBTQ+ students and staff, see what events are coming up and find useful resources to help you be an ally to your LGBTQ+ friends and peers.
We have an active student body and staff members who support the rights of our LGBTQ+* community and are proud to be one of Stonewall's top 100 employers for LGBTQ+ people.
This might be the first time thinking about your sexual orientation or gender identity. Whether you're out, prefer not to be visible, or are unsure of your sexual and/or gender identity, you are welcome in our community and will be treated with dignity and respect.
LGBTQ+ is an umbrella term for diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, including those outside of the binary. It encompasses lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and more, represented by the +.
Read our messages of support
We want our LGBTQ+ students and staff members to feel safe and supported here at Salford. That's why we are proud to share the messages of support, encouragement, and solidarity left by our students and staff members to members of our LGBTQ+ community, especially those who identify as transgender to reflect the current hostility and discrimination they face.
On behalf of the Salford Proud Network, we would like to express our gratitude to our Trans Lead, Jae Howell, as well as the wider EDI team for their collaborative efforts in bringing this initiative to life.
A message from Professor Nic Beech, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Salford:
"In the complex dynamics of human identities, the huge benefits of diversity come from all of us being open-minded and open-hearted to learn from people who have differences to us. Diversity and learning should be our watchwords in developing our appreciation of each other and of the social challenges people face in being themselves."
A message from Professor Sam Grogan, Pro Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Experience:
"Salford is a university which celebrates and values its diversity. We have a number of support networks and resources available for trans and non-binary people, as well as members of the wider LGBTQ+ community. I’d like to let all our communities know that the University is a safe space where we actively promote and champion inclusivity and belonging. Everyone is welcome here."
"You are loved, you are welcome!"
"Never give up on fighting for yourself, who you are is good enough!"
"We celebrate, see you and support you today and everyday!"
"You are enough and you are loved."
"Unfortunately those that spread negativity and hate often have the loudest voices, but it doesn't mean there are more of them compared to those who love and support the Trans/non-binary community. We will continue to support and protect you."
"To our University of Salford LGBTQ+ community - sending y'all my love and support! We're so proud to be your teachers."
"You are valid, you belong, and you are loved."
"Please know that everyone is welcome here at Salford!"
"Keep up the amazing work Salford LGBTQ+ Community!"
"We will continue to celebrate you all and support you any way we can. Stand tall and proud."
"Please remember that whoever you are at Salford, you have the right to be here and you MATTER! There are so many of us out here cheering you on and supporting your right to exist, to be loved and to be HAPPY! We stand shoulder to shoulder with our trans* siblings and will continue to be right beside you for as long as it takes."
"I extend my full support."
"I strive to be an ally, as a staff member, colleague and proud mum to a trans daughter."
"You are seen, you are wanted and you are loved members of this community."
"Sending all my love and support!"
"I promise to stand up for this community and challenge homophobia when I see it. Belonging is for all of us!"
"Sending love to trans, non-binary and gender diverse colleagues and students. Be proud of who you are, you are enough. Don't let the challenges you may face define you: draw on the friendship and support of your allies across the University."
"Sending good vibes and support to our LGBTQ+ Community! We are here for you as allies and friends in our Salford community. "
"There is a strength in acceptance, and trans, non-binary and gender diverse people need that now more than ever. So be kind, to yourself and others."
"Every individual deserves to feel valued and respected for who they are. I'm committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive authentically. Let's continue to celebrate diversity and stand together as allies."
"The world is always a better place with more non-conformity, diversity, and people living their truth. I have found campus to be a welcoming and supportive place, with lots of people eager to share, learn, support - and maybe even feel a little bit of queer joy, I hope you do too!"
"Aged 50+ mature student here who knows trans women are women, trans men are men and trans rights are human rights."
"Now is a really challenging time to be a trans person, so whether you're in, out or somewhere in between I want you to know that you are valid, you are loved and you will always have a home at Salford."
"Whoever you are, however you identify, you are welcome here at Salford! Our community is made better by our diversity, and that includes the wonderful Trans* and non-binary folks who are part of our student body and staff."
Find your community
Whether you're looking for a group of like-minded friends to explore Manchester's gay village with or a supportive listening ear, there are LGBTQ+ groups within the University and wider community that you can join.
Support for LGBTQ+ staff and students
If you are part of the LGBTQ+ community or are questioning your sexuality or gender identity, there are lots of ways we can support you to make sure you feel safe and comfortable while you study or work.
Specialist and Peer Support
For students who are LGBTQ+ or are questioning their identity, we offer support to create a safe and welcome environment that is inclusive of your sexuality and gender identity. Our specialist advisers can share resources for anyone seeking assistance or support in expressing and exploring identity, no matter where you fall on the LGBTQ+ spectrum, and can help you find your community through our Befriending/Mentoring Service or groups like our Salford Trans and Non-Binary Forum and Trans Peer Support Group.
If you wish to go through any form of transition at university, the team can also support you by changing names, gender, pronouns, titles, referring you to external and internal specialist support etc at the speed that you feel comfortable with.
Visit our webpage to learn more.
Health Centre
While most health issues affecting LGBTQ+ individuals are similar to those of the general population, we know that LGBTQ+ people have unique health needs and can experience disparities in care. In 2018, our Health Centre was awarded a Gold standard for ‘excellence in LGBT healthcare’ through LGBT Foundation’s Pride in Practice quality assurance scheme which trains and accredits GP practices for ongoing support of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans patients.
Support we offer:
- Full sexual health screenings
- Contraception – Pills, patches, implants, coils and injections
- Bridging prescriptions* after consultation with one of the GPs
- Changing your gender assigned at birth on your medical record after a discussion with a GP
- Changing your name and prefix in your medical record without Gender Recognition Certificate or Deed Poll
- Referrals to Gender Identity Clinics
- Referrals for gamete storage, I.E. freezing your sperm or eggs, to be used at a later date
- Support with administering injectables and teaching safe self-injection
Visit the Health Centre's webpage for full details
*A bridging prescription is a temporary prescription of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), issued by a GP to a patient who is waiting for specialist treatment.
Report It
Homophobia and transphobia are never OK. If you experience (or witness) concerning behaviour, let us know via Report It to ensure you, or the person affected, are supported and to help prevent things like this from happening in the future.
This is a safe and confidential way to report a hate crime and is handled by our expert Respect, Culture and Behaviors team. It's not an official report but if you do want to report it officially, the team can support you with this. You can also report anonymously but by not providing your name or contact details we cannot offer you support or take action against your report. However, it will allow us to identify any emerging issues we need to respond to.
Wellbeing and Counselling
There may be times at university when you need to speak to someone because you need support with a personal issue, or you need someone to listen. It may be a worry that you feel like you can’t discuss with your friends, family or tutor.
If you would like to talk through your worries in a confidential setting, our Wellbeing and Counseling team are here for you. Book an appointment with one of our Wellbeing Advisers to talk it over or be supported and referred to more acute mental health services where appropriate. This service also runs a group session for transgender students.
External Support
Salford and Manchester has a thriving LGBTQ+ community and there are lots of local groups you can turn to for support. Here are just a few:
Useful Documents