Page 58 - Fyne winter 2014

2. Who do the university LGBT networks represent?
We use the umbrella term of LGBT+ at
Cardiff University. The ‘+’ is important as
it shows that there are a full range of sexual
orientations and gender identities that
can’t be represented just by the acronym
of LGBT.
3. What are some of the initiatives carried out by the LGBT+ networks
We have a Student LGBT+ Association
which has the remit of representing
lesbian, gay, bi, trans and other students,
both within the Student Union and
to the University. They run awareness
campaigns, lobby for policy changes and
hold events throughout the year. Alongside
the Association is the LGBT+ Society
who host several socials a week and a
variety of different events drinking and
non-drinking, day time and night time,
on and off the gay scene and on different
days throughout the week. This ensures
that there is a balance between the social
activities and the representation activities.
Enfys is the Staff LGBT+ Network and
is there to raise awareness of LGBT+
issues and thereby promote equality and
diversity within Cardiff University and to
external organisations, represent the views
of LGBT+ staff and support all members
of staff across the University with issues
relating to LGBT+ and provide a gateway
of support and assistance to LGBT+ staff in
the workplace and a forum for discussion of
issues affecting LGBT+ staff.
4. What specific support do you have in place for staff/students
The Student Union provides support to
the student community via the student
LGBT+ Officer and the student LGBT+
Association and Society. There is also
additional support available to students
through both the Student Union Advice
Centre and the University Student Support
Service. The University also provides a
comprehensive Counselling Service for staff
and students where there is information
available online and at the service on
specific LGBT+ related topics. The Careers
and employability Service also signposts
students to relevant LGBT+ information
including links to LGBT recruitment sites,
Stonewall information and associations
that support employees such as the Gay
and Lesbian Association of Doctors and
Dentists and the Lesbian and Gay Lawyers
Association for England and Wales. From
a staff perspective as well as support
via the Staff LGBT+ Network and the
Staff Counselling Service we also have a
comprehensive range of University policies
including our Dignity at Work and Study
Policy and our Work/Life Balance Policies.
The University employs two Equality and
Diversity Managers who have responsibility
for staff and students to ensure that the
organisation stays on track with its legal
obligations as well as working to promote an
inclusive culture for the organisation. We
try to put as much information as possible
online so staff and students are able to find
the support they need when they need it.
5. What are your current initiatives do you have anything coming up?
We’ve recently been involved in two
initiatives that have enabled us to promote
the importance of LGBT+ equality on an
international level. The first activity has
been our sponsorship as a University of
the Youth Jury at the Iris Prize festival and
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