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LGBTQ+ students

Whatever your sexual orientation or identity, be yourself and help ensure the UCL community is inclusive and open to all.

LGBTQ+ students

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.


Internal organisations

The following organisations offer support, advice and guidance to anyone at UCL who identify as LGBTQ+.

UCL Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

You can join or learn more about institutional LGBTQ+ equality initiatives from UCL's central Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) team.

Students' Union UCL LGBT+ Students Network

The Students' Union UCL Liberation Networks supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex and/or asexual students during their time at university. It also helps students interested in LGBTQ+ issues to meet like-minded people and groups in the university and across London.

Read more about the Network.

UCL Trans Network

The UCL Trans Network is an informal network for everyone at UCL who identifies as trans (this includes non-binary, genderqueer & all other identities not identical with the gender assigned at birth). It is a space for trans students and staff to connect and find peer support across UCL. The network also hosts in-person socials and trips to Pride events. 

If you are trans and would like to be a part of the network, please join via Microsoft Teams

Transitioning gender

If you identify as trans and are considering or are already in the process of transitioning gender, please get in touch with us. We can talk you through any steps that you or UCL may need to take to support your transition, and we can provide additional support if you need it.

Read our policy on support for students transitioning gender.

LGBTQ+ allies

An "ally" is someone who is a supporter and/or advocate 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.

Learn how you can be a better ally with our article on 7 ways to be a better ally.


External organisations and resources

Some of the organisations listed below may be helpful to students who identify as LGBTQ+ or those who are interested in exploring LGBTQ+ issues and identities. 

MindOut

MindOut's online support service is an instant message service that is confidential, non-judgemental and anonymous. Open most evenings from 5:30-7:30pm, and on Sundays from 2-4pm, with additional hours most days. 

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. 

If you are in a crisis or in need of urgent support, our online support service can: 

- Listen to how you are feeling, without any judgement and without forcing unwanted advice or opinions 

- Help you to think about ways to stay safe and develop coping strategies, if this is what you want 

- Help you look for support and explore these options, if this is what you want 

Visit the MindOut Online Support page.

DrugRehab.com

A web resource that provides information and support to people facing substance use disorders, especially within the LGBTQ+ community.

Visit DrugRehab.com.

Bi.org

A resource listing a variety of community and support organisations for bisexual people.

Visit Bi.org.

Everyone Is Gay

An informative and light-hearted American website offering advice to LGBTQ+ youth.

Find out more about Everyone Is Gay.

Gendered Intelligence

A not-for-profit organisation aiming to increase understanding of gender diversity, which runs youth groups and a mentoring scheme for trans people aged 13 to 25.

Find out more about Gendered Intelligence.

Switchboard 

An LGBTQ+ helpline based in London that can take calls from anywhere in the UK, available 10am to 11pm.

Find out more about Switchboard.

IMMAN 

A peer support group for LGBTQ+ Muslims that aims to help reconcile faith with sexuality and gender identity.

Find out more about IMMAN.

London Friend 

The UK's oldest lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans charity, supporting the health and mental wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community in and around London.

Find out more about London Friend.

LGBT Foundation 

Advice, support and information for LGBTQ+ people.

Find out more about the LGBT Foundation.

RUComingOut 

A website featuring real-life coming out stories from lesbian, gay, bi and trans people.

Find out more about RUComingOut.

Stonewall 

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).

Find out more about Stonewall.

Transgender Support Groups

An international directory of support groups for trans individuals and their families in multiple cities across 16 countries.

Find out more about Transgender Support Groups.

Tranzwiki

A comprehensive and regularly updated directory of trans+ support groups and resources available through the UK.

Find out more about Tranzwiki.