Flying the flag in Abercomby Square
The University will be flying the flag to mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO).
On Tuesday 17 May, the Rainbow flag will be seen at various points across campus and the Active Learning Laboratory will once again light up as a rainbow to mark the occasion.
There will be a lunchtime lecture on Monday 16 May by Dr Freya Jarman from the School of Music entitled: ‘Are you musical? – Thinking queerly about music history’ whose research interests are in gender and queer theory.
Information about international Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) rights are available online and through face-to-face information sessions throughout the week, and more details of these events will be made available on the staff announcements system.
IDAHO started in Canada in 2003 and is now celebrated by more than 60 countries around the world. It is held on the same date each year which is the anniversary of the World Health Organization’s May 1990 decision to remove homosexuality from its list of mental disorders. This was a historical step towards considering freedom of sexual orientation and gender identity as a fundamental human right.
Why have an International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia?
In more than 80 countries in the world, loving someone from the same sex is still considered illegal, at times involving life-time imprisonment. In seven countries, homosexual acts are even punishable by death. But even in the most progressive countries, there is still homophobia and transphobia in the form of discriminatory laws, unjust representations in the media, unfair treatment by employers and negative social attitudes.
Sexual Orientation and Trans Equality at the University of Liverpool
The University is committed to creating an inclusive learning and working environment for our LGBT community and has the following policies, groups and activities in place to promote sexual orientation equality and tackle homophobia and transphobia:
Gender Equality Scheme and action plan
The Sexual Orientation Equality Scheme and action plan is currently being renewed.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) Staff and Postgraduate Network. Any staff or PG students who identify as LGBT can come to meetings or sign up to the email group.
The Dignity at Work and Study Policy provides information on the processes that can be used to resolve cases of bullying or harassment including homophobic and transphobic bullying and harassment relating to gender and sexual orientation.
Sexual Orientation in HE Awareness training – please visit the Organisational Development & Diversity website for more information
Monitoring sexual orientation for staff. Employees can now add information relating to sexual orientation via their Personal Details page on TULIP. You can out more about equalities monitoring on the Diversity & Equality website.
For more information on IDAHO, to book your place on an event or on sexual orientation equality contact Darren Mooney, Diversity & Equality Officer in Human Resources telephone 55975 or email Darren.Mooney@liv.ac.uk