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Whatever your sexual orientation or identity, be yourself and help ensure the UCL community is inclusive and open to all.
UCL has a long history of diversity and ensuring equal opportunities for all, including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer or another sexual minority.
Support from UCL
UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services (SSWS) can direct you to appropriate support both within and outside of UCL. The support we provide is free and available to any student enrolled at UCL.
- For telephone support, you can call the Student Support and Wellbeing Services Phone Line on +44 (0)20 3108 8836 during office hours to discuss the options available to you or the UCL 24/7 Support Line on +44 (0) 808 238 0077 (00 353 1 518 0277 from outside the UK), to talk to someone about how you are feeling.
- If you would like to access some confidential support from the Disability and Neurodiversity or Mental Health and Wellbeing Team, you can book an appointment via askUCL - same day appointments are available. You can watch this step-by-step guide to booking an appointment with an adviser. They can also help you write an action plan to coordinate the process of transition.
- UCL's Counselling Services offer up to six sessions of free therapy, you should register for this via their website.
If you're living in a UCL hall of residence, you have an additional network of support in the form of the Wardens and Student Residence Advisers, who live on site. They are the first point of contact for any welfare or pastoral issues you may be experiencing and can help connect you to UCL’s student support services.
UCL Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) offer information and guidance on institutional LGBTQ+ equality initiatives. You can read their guidance on students transitioning gender.
The Students' Union UCL offers support to LGBTQ+ students.
- The Students' Union Networks include the Trans Students' Network and the LGBTQ+ Network. Networks act as social and influencing groups for students, allowing you to meet other like-minded people, form and build your communities, and have your say on how the Students' Union UCL can better represent you.
- The Gender Expression Fund provides grants which can be used to purchase gender affirming products such as clothing, binders, packers and beauty products. They can also be used towards travel to medical or therapy/counselling appointments.
The free and confidential Advice Service is located on the 1st Floor of 25 Gordon Street, London. You can speak to an adviser in-person, or via email, telephone and video/voice chat on Microsoft Teams.
The UCL Trans Network is an informal network on Microsoft Teams for everyone (staff & students) at UCL who identifies as trans (including non-binary, genderqueer & all other identities not identical with the gender assigned at birth). It provides peer-support, a space for trans students to find trans mentors and for all trans people to connect across UCL and discuss and find help with common issues that we are facing.
LGBTQ+ allies are people who are supporters and/or advocates for LGBTQ+ people. It is most commonly used to refer to heterosexual people (a "straight ally") who support their lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer friends and family members. The term also encompasses LGBTQ+ people who support each other. Read out how you can be a better ally.
External organisations and resources
The organisations listed below may be helpful to students who identify as LGBTQ+ or those who are interested in exploring LGBTQ+ issues and identities.
- MindsOut
An online support service is an instant message service that is confidential, non-judgemental and anonymous. Open most evenings from 5:30-7:30 pm, and on Sundays from 2-4 pm. The service is run by trained Online Support workers and mental health advocates who are ready to provide emotional support, information or signpost you in the right direction.
- Bi.Org
Bi.org is a resource listing a variety of community and support organisations for bisexual people.
- Everyone is Gay
Everyone Is Gay is an informative and light-hearted American website offering advice to LGBTQ+ youth.
- Gendered Intelligence
Gendered Intelligence is a not-for-profit organisation aiming to increase understanding of gender diversity. It runs youth groups and a mentoring scheme for trans people aged 13 to 25.
- Switchboard
Switchboard is an LGBTQ+ helpline based in London that can take calls from anywhere in the UK, available from 10 am to 11 pm.
- IMMAN
IMMAN is a peer support group for LGBTQ+ Muslims that aims to help reconcile faith with sexuality and gender identity.
- London Friend
London Friend is the UK's oldest lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans charity, supporting the health and mental wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community in and around London.
- LGBT Foundation
LGBT Foundation advises, supports and informs LGBTQ+ people.
- RUComingOut
RUComingOut is a website featuring real-life coming out stories from lesbian, gay, bi and trans people.
- Stonewall
Stonewall is a nationwide LGBTQ+ rights charity, offering help and advice (if you are an international student, Stonewall can also connect you to LGBTQ+ groups and support in your home country).
- Transgender Support Groups
Transgender Support Groups is an international directory of support groups for trans individuals and their families in multiple cities across 16 countries.
- Transwiki
Tranzwiki is a comprehensive and regularly updated directory of trans+ support groups and resources available throughout the UK.
- London Frontrunners
London Frontrunners is London's inclusive running and triathlon club for LGBT+ and gay-friendly people.
- Student Minds - Student Space
Student Minds has a dedicated student space for Transgender students which has advice and reflections on navigating university life as a transgender and/or non-binary student. The content in this package was co-created by experts with lived experience and a steering group of 8 trans+ students.