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Gender identity and sexual orientation discrimination

29 October 2024

LGBT+ research conferences:

Proud/Loud/Heard: 2023 UCU research conference
LGBT+ Liberation: 2021 UCU research conference

UCU's position on trans inclusion

This document presents UCU's position on trans inclusion. The position is based on policy made at UCU annual congresses and explores key concepts which inform the position such as intersectionality and academic freedom:

UCU's position on Trans inclusion [164kb]
UCU's position on Trans inclusion [69kb]

UCU supports trans workers' rights and, as champions of equality, we welcome the increased visibility and empowerment of transgendered and non-binary people in our society. It is our responsibility to promote equality and ensure the provisions of the Equality Act are implemented and adhered to by our members and in the sectors where we organise. This is also written into our rules. Our rules commit us to ending all forms of discrimination, bigotry and stereotyping.

UCU has a long history of enabling members to self-identify whether that is being black, disabled, LGBT+ or women. At UCU's annual congress and further and higher education conferences, policy on gender identity has been developed over many years.

UCU supports the right of all women (including trans women) to safe spaces and the continuation of monitoring that can help identify discrimination against women, men and those who identify as non-binary. UCU also supports a social, rather than a medical, model of gender recognition that will help challenge repressive gender stereotypes in the workplace and in society.

The fight for women's rights is far from won. For too many women, sexual harassment and domestic violence is a daily reality, alongside unequal pay and other forms of discrimination at work, including maternity pay and leave. UCU will continue to campaign hard to protect the rights of working women.

UCU is aware that the debate around gender identity has in some quarters become bitterly divisive. Our strength is to bring members together and to build bridges rooted in our values of equality. UCU opposes any violence, intimidation, bullying or disrespect towards any group that faces discrimination, and from whichever quarter. Trans people, including students and staff in tertiary education, face physical and verbal abuse, prejudice and discrimination, marginalisation and misrepresentation. UCU is fully committed to providing practical support and policy guidance for reps and trans members in challenging discrimination and harassment.

See also: UCU Scotland Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill submission, Mar 20 [199kb]

Challenging LGBT+ exclusion in UK higher education

This report presents key findings from a pilot survey carried out by a project team from UCU, the University of Sussex, University of Kent, University of Essex, and Glasgow Caledonian University which explores the working conditions for LGBT+ staff in higher education (HE) in the UK.

Challenging LGBT+ exclusion in UK higher education [280kb]

Employing trans people in HE

Employing transsexual people in higher education, ECU guidance (.pdf)

Gender Recognition Act guide

The aim of this document is to provide clarity in an important area of law reform that has significant impact in terms of gender identity/recognition. The intention is, also, to address potential intersections with other areas of the law: UCU guide to the Gender Recognition Act [134kb]

UCU's vision for trans and non-binary members

This guidance aims to help UCU members speak to UCU's vison, and democratically agreed position, in support of trans and non-binary people rights.

UCU believes in building an inclusive culture, in words and deeds, that supports its trans and non-binary members to live their lives in safety with dignity and respect like the rest of our society. We believe that, together, we can make the future better for trans and non-binary people: Trans and Non-binary guidance [6mb]

Watch our series of short films exploring LGBT+ issues

Voices and visibility

A wallchart was launched at TUC LGBT conference and Pride in London in June 2015. The aim has been to produce a resource to support those raising awareness of sexual orientation and gender identity equality and diversity. Centred on the United Kingdom, it highlights important legal milestones and identifies visible and significant contributions made by individuals, groups and particularly the labour movement.

The free LGBT wallchart can be downloaded here.

You can also find a range of useful resources and learn more about LGBT history by visiting the Voices and Visibility website.

Europe and LGBT rights in the UK

This guide looks at the relationship between Europe and UK legislation on LGBT rights. Also covered is that relationships with Europe go beyond EU membership.

Europe and LGBT rights in the UK [106kb]  Europe and LGBT rights in the UK [100kb]

Gender identity

This guide about gender identity equality has been produced to provide an overview of key terms and an update on this fast-developing area of equality. This guide provides a picture of where action and thinking around gender identity equality is in 2017.

Guide to Gender Identity [233kb] | Guide to Gender Identity [107kb]

Non binary gender identity guide

Areas that help develop understanding of non-binary gender are explored in this guide. Actions are identified which, when taken, can help further gender identity equality.

Non binary gender identity guide [193kb]  |  Non binary gender identity guide [91kb]

LGBT+: a guide to language in use

The language we use about people and issues can have a powerful impact.  Language used about sexual orientation and gender identity continues to develop as there has been increased visibility, awareness and discussion in recent years. This guide sets out provide suggestions about current use of language.

  LGBT+: a guide to language in use, April 2021 [149kb]   |   LGBT+: a guide to language in use, April 2021 [96kb]

LGBT+ monitoring leaflet

Visibility and Voice Progress Equality: a leaflet outlining UCU's position on monitoring gender identity and sexual orientation.

LGBT+ Monitoring Leaflet [85kb]

Pride and Prejudice in Education

This 2016 report explores experiences and perceptions of sexual orientation and gender identity among post-school education learners and staff.

Pride and Prejudice full report [1mb]

Summary report

The summary is designed to enable members to read the findings of the full report more quickly and also contains condensed recommendations:

Summary of Pride and Prejudice in Education report, Oct 16 [263kb]

Checklist for developing sexual orientation and gender identity equality in post school education

This checklist is drawn from the findings and recommendations in the Pride and Prejudice report and supplements the summarised version. The aim is to support branches in taking action to follow up the report.

Checklist for developing sexual orientation and gender identity equality in post school education [161kb]
Checklist for developing sexual orientation and gender identity equality in post school education [75kb]

Gender identity: awareness and actions for equality

The purpose of this guide is to raise awareness about gender identity, including gender reassignment, and to identify actions that employers can take to promote and advance gender identity equality.

Gender Identity: Awareness and Actions for Equality [199kb]   
Gender Identity: Awareness and Actions for Equality [156kb]

TUC guidance: LGBT equality at work

The position of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGB and T) people in Britain has been transformed beyond recognition in the course of a single generation.

LGBT Equality at Work (Third Edition) provides a context for LGBT equality issues today.

View and download: LGBT Equality at Work, Third Edition, 2013

UCU is a partner in the joint working group of The Forum and have jointly produced the following guides. The Forum brings together partner organisations to co-ordinate work that advances sexual orientation and gender identity equality in the post-school education sector. The Forum aims to support the work of all learning providers by providing high quality information, advice and guidance.

Information about the Forum for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Equality can be found at the forum website here: http://sgforum.org.uk 

LGBT members' international experiences

LGBT workers have a right to expect to be protected from discrimination under the terms of the Equality Act and their institution's equality policy. However, during the course of working for your college or university it is possible that you may find yourself working internationally, either on a short visit or longer term basis. Sometimes you may not have a choice over where you work. Sometimes this may mean working in a country or environment that is non-LGBT friendly.

Sexual orientation and gender identity equality - International Working [187kb]

Trans guidance

The Forum for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Post-School Education has published guidance on trans equality in post-school education. You can download it below.

Trans equality in post-school education [765kb]
LGB equality at work: guidance for UCU members and branches [66kb]

Last updated: 1 November 2024