Stonewall to launch InterEd initiative at London South Bank University
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender charity Stonewall has chosen LSBU to launch its new InterEd initiative supporting LGBT+ staff in educationStonewall's new initiative 'InterEd' aims to provide a safe space for LGBT+ staff to socialise with LGBT+ colleagues, network and develop new skills. The initiative is made up of forty colleges and universities in the greater London area, including LSBU.
The InterEd launch at LSBU on 26 November will include a talk by a former college student about why LGBT+ visibility is needed in education, followed by networking with other LGBT+ education professionals.
"LSBU is delighted to once again host Stonewall on our campus out of our shared support for equality of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity," says Ian Mehrtens, LSBU chief operating officer and executive sponsor of the university's - staff network SONET.
"It continues LSBU's long and proud tradition of widening participation in higher education, and follows our participation in Stonewall's Workplace Equality Index, Gay by Degree league table, our celebration of LGBT+ History Month and participation in London Community Pride."
InterEd has been developed by Stonewall in conjunction with representatives from institutions involved in their Diversity Champions programme, of which LSBU is an active member. In 2014 LSBU was identified as one of the best universities to work for employees who identify as LGBT+ in Stonewall's Workplace Equality Index, ranked 23rd of 55 who took part in the higher education sector.
In Stonewall's 'Gay by Degree' university guide, LSBU checks-off eight of ten requirements based on what universities are doing to implement policies and staff training, consult with LGBT+ students and work with the wider community on LGBT+ initiatives. This is significantly above other London universities who score from 1 to 7.
In February LSBU celebrated LGBT History Month with a programme of events including a panel discussion on whether 'pride' events are still relevant in today's society; in June LSBU students, staff and friends took part in the biggest-ever London Pride Festival.
- Connect with SONET on Twitter
- Learn more about the SONET staff network (staff intranet, access for LSBU staff only)