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Sexual Orientation

Below are some useful links to groups both within the University and in the wider community.

Hi I'm Catherine Robinson, Senior Lecturer in Religions, Philosophies and Ethics.

One of my major interests has been in the interface between religions, gender and sexuality, and I am committed to the equality of all members other University community. For these reasons, I am honoured to be the University's Diversity Champion for Sexual Orientation.

I would would be pleased to hear from anyone else teaching or researching in the area of sexual orientation and hope to be able to make links with students groups sharing such concerns.

I would also be pleased to hear about events and information that could be presented and promoted on this website, as well as any issues that I could take to the Equality and Diversity Steering Group.  You can email me or telephone me on 01225 875658.

If you'd like to provide feedback on a current policy, procedure or practice at BSU, or would be willing to provide feedback on any future practice, please also contact HR. If you'd prefer to make contact confidentially, then please indicate this.

Did you know?

Further information

BSU is actively looking to set up an LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) Employee Network Group. Employee Network Groups can provide support, opportunities to socialise and input into the development of the University. If you'd like to be involved, please contact Elaine Orchard, HR Manager.

As part of our Learning & Development resources, HR have a DVD to hire about respecting lesbian, gay and bisexual people in the workplace.  If you're interested in borrowing this title, please email HR. All DVDs will be rented out in confidence.

Events

Bristol Pride Event - 14 July 2012

A large scale, FREE event will take place on College Green with community, family and music areas.  This will be followed by an evening street fiesta and road closure across Frogmore Street.

The 2011 event was headlined by international superstar KELIS and attracted over 20,000 people and Bristol is expecting to see the same level of success during Pride 2012. Quickly becoming the Pride destination Pride Bristol 2012 takes place 14th July and promises to be the hottest ticket in town.

Starting Out: Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Careers Guide

One of the most significant achievements in Stonewall's 20-year history has been helping hundreds of major employers make their workplaces more gay-friendly.  It was as part of their Workplace programmes that Stonewall launched Starting Out, the first national guide for students and job-switchers wanting to find a gay-friendly employer.  For more information about the guide visit: http://www.startingoutguide.org.uk/

You can  read more about this year's Starting Out careers guide in the following People Management article: http://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/pm/articles/2011/10/stonewall-launches-gay-friendly-jobs-site.htm

Stonewall's guide on Civil Partnerships - June 2011 Update

Stonewall have updated their Civil Partnership guide, to reflect the end of the certificate of approval system*.  A copy of  the new guide can be found here (.pdf).

* Prior to 9th May 2011, non EEA overseas nationals needed to apply for a certificate of approval before they were able to register a partnership.  Now non EEA overseas nationals who are already in the UL with temporary UK immigration permission (such as students) are able to register a civil partnership here.  This does of course not alter an individual's immigration status.  The immigration rules apply equally to same sex couples as they do to heterosexual couples.

Study of Adoptive Family Life

The University of Cambridge is carrying out a study on adoptive family life.  Researchers would like to hear from families headed by same-sex parents who have adopted a child who is now between the ages of 3 - 8 years old.

If you would be interested in taking part and would like to find out more about the research please email families@hermes.cam.ac.uk

Stonewall's Gay and Bisexual Men's Health Survey

Following on from their ground breaking research with lesbian and bisexual women, Prescription for Change, Stonewall is conducting the largest ever survey of gay and bisexual men's health.  Whilst existing research has provided a great deal of information about gay men's sexual health, very little is currently known about the wider health needs of gay and bisexual men.  It is therefore hoped that the findings of this research will equip healthcare providers, policymakers, campaigners and gay and bisexual men themselves to ensure their health needs are being equally taken care of.

If you live in Britain and are gay, bisexual, or a man who has sex with men please visit www.stonewall.org.uk/healthsurvey for more information on taking part.

If you don't meet these criteria, but know someone who does, please let them know about this important research.

Stonewall Older Persons LGB Survey

Stonewall have commissioned YouGov to conduct research into how gay people feel about and experience getting older. Stonewall's ongoing work has highlighted that their needs and experiences are often overlooked by policy makers and service providers. The survey is open to lesbian, gay and bisexual people living in Britain who are aged 55 or over. If you would like to participate in the research, please follow this link to take the survey.

This is an online survey. If you have any questions or if you require an alternative format to participate, please email info@stonewall.org.uk or ring 08000 50 20 20 for more information.

Articles of interest

Useful links

Stonewall is the national campaigning charity for lesbian, gay and bisexual equality. BSU is a Stonewall Diversity Champions employer, and students and staff can contact the confidential Infoline service for LGB information and signposting to other organisations.

Lifeworks - Our Employee Assistance Programme provides confidential advice and support on issues relating to Sexual Orientation.  You can access the service by going to www.lifeworks.com.  Please note that you will need your user ID and password to access the website.  If you do not have your membership card please contact HR for the details.   Some useful tipsheets and a CD can be accessed from the following links:

For students, the Students' Union LGBT society is free to join, and the SU Equal Opportunities Officer is also available to contact with any issues.

Equality and Diversity

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