It also provides an opportunity to share some practical ways to get more involved in creating a supportive and inclusive workplace and learning environment for transgender staff and students at Ulster University.
Damian McAlister, Chief People Officer, said:
“The University celebrates and values the diversity of its workforce and student body. Through our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy, we are committed to delivering an experience/environment in which staff and students of all genders are treated with respect, feel welcome and are able to thrive.
“Recognising global initiatives such as International Transgender Day of Visibility provides a platform to help spread knowledge and understanding of the transgender community. It is also an opportunity for us to live our Values at Ulster; to promote a place to work and study where everyone feels accepted.”
Dr Gail Neill, Lead of the first LGBT+ Staff Network at Ulster University and co-author of ‘The missing T: Baselining Attitudes towards Transgender People in Northern Ireland’, adds:
“The recent establishment of a Staff Network has provided a vehicle to help enhance visibility on transgender issues.
“Over the coming weeks and months, we look forward to working along with the University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Steering Group and other Staff Networks to promote greater understanding of issues relating to EDI, including an increased awareness of issues facing our transgender community and how we can all become more informed to create a more inclusive working and learning culture.”
Consider adding pronouns to your email signature:
Adding pronouns to your email signature signals to others that you won’t assume someone’s gender identity, communicates the pronouns that people should use when addressing you and signals an important move towards LGBTQ(IA+) Inclusion. It shows you care about individuals’ preferences and is a simple solution to accidental misgendering.
The policy is currently under review but provides a helpful guide and further signposting for all staff and students.
Forthcoming events
Upcoming training session on transgender awareness – open to all staff
Tuesday 20 April 2021 (10am-12pm)
This session aims to provide participants with a better understanding of how to support transgender and gender diverse staff and students. Topics covered will include language/etiquette, cultural competency, the demographics and experiences of the community, barriers to accessing higher education, legislation and regulations and resources for supporting transgender people.
For further information on the LGBT+ Staff Network, please contact Cara McShane (EDI Advisor) by email to c.mcshane@ulster.ac.uk