Leading the way on LGBTQ+ student experience
Up to 1 in 5 students living in private student accommodation identify as LGBTQ+ but their experience at university is known to be often tougher than that of straight students.
Research shows they are more likely to struggle with their mental health, sense of belonging and also financially with less support from parents.
To really understand the lived experience of LGBTQ+ students in Liverpool and elsewhere, LJMU is partnering Unite Students in research and knowledge exchange actions, which will help guide UK higher education to improve its approach.
Phil Bakstad, Diversity and Inclusion Manager has been working with Unite for a long time and together with Dr Hannah Madden has launched a piece of work looking at LGBTQ+ students’ experiences and their needs in ‘halls’ and on campus, which aims to identify gaps provision and support.
Lonely and isolated
Dr Madden, a key player in the newly launched q:LJMU research network, says that while going away to university is a very positive experience for many LGBTQ+ students, they are more likely to experience mental health problems as well as feel lonely and isolated and can also experience homophobic or transphobic abuse.
She said: “Whilst for many LGBTQ+ students, university is time finds themselves and flourish, evidence does show they are more likely to a raft of challenges. A positive experience on campus and a supportive living space are key to finding community and developing a sense of belonging at university.
“This research will capture these needs and help identify how universities and accommodation providers can better support them to thrive. We are hoping this will be the start of a bigger project.”
To kick off the project and other collaborative work, LJMU and Unite jointly hosted a symposium on campus which welcomed 60 researchers, students, community partners and colleagues from across HE to explore key issues, barriers and opportunities in terms of services for LGBTQ+ students.
Representatives from UCAS, TASO, Global Student Living, National Student Pride, the Unite Foundation and JMSU shared insights and gave recommendations on how to respond to the current challenges.
'Be their authentic selves'
Phil said: “The symposium highlighted the importance of feeling safe and secure in the places we live and enabling LGBTQ+ individuals to be their authentic selves.
“That is something we are committed to here at LJMU and we look forward to Hannah’s findings and recommendations as a means to drive change for LGBTQ+ students across both the higher education and student accommodation sectors.”
Jenny Shaw, HE External Engagement Director at Unite Students said: “Everyone who took part in this event is truly committed to improving the experience of LGBTQ+ students, and as a result we will be able to share some valuable insights and examples with colleagues across the sector for the benefit of future students.”
Unite Students is one of the UK’s largest HE accommodation providers with almost 70,000 places in 23 cities including at St Luke’s Place, Horizon Heights and Grand Central.
For further information on our Diversity and Inclusion initiatives please visit https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/edi or contact the team by emailing equality@LJMU.ac.uk
Main image: Horizon Heights, Lime Street, one of the Unite Students-run student accommodation 'halls' in Liverpool.
