Whatever your sexual orientation or identity, be yourself and help ensure the UCL community is inclusive and open to all.
![LGBTQ+ students](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/sites/students/files/styles/large_image/public/lgbtq_student_image_0.jpg?itok=bEuv7mw3)
UCL has a long history of diversity and ensuring equal opportunities for all, including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer or another sexual minority.
Internal organisations
The following organisations offer support, advice and guidance to anyone at UCL who identify as LGBTQ+.
UCL Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
You can join or learn more about institutional LGBTQ+ equality initiatives from UCL's central Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) team.
Students' Union UCL LGBT+ Students Network
The Students' Union UCL Liberation Networks supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex and/or asexual students during their time at university. It also helps students interested in LGBTQ+ issues to meet like-minded people and groups in the university and across London.
UCL Trans Network
The UCL Trans Network is an informal network for everyone at UCL who identifies as trans (this includes non-binary, genderqueer & all other identities not identical with the gender assigned at birth). It is a space for trans students and staff to connect and find peer support across UCL. The network also hosts in-person socials and trips to Pride events. If you are trans and would like to be a part of the network, please join via Microsoft Teams.
Transitioning gender
If you identify as trans and are considering or are already in the process of transitioning gender, please get in touch with us. We can talk you through any steps that you or UCL may need to take to support your transition, and we can provide additional support if you need it.
LGBTQ+ allies
An "ally" is someone who is a supporter and/or advocate for LGBTQ+ people. It is most commonly used to refer to heterosexual people (a "straight ally") who support their lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer friends and family members. The term also encompasses LGBTQ+ people who support each other. Read out how you can be a better ally.
External organisations and resources
Some of the organisations listed below may be helpful to students who identify as LGBTQ+ or those who are interested in exploring LGBTQ+ issues and identities.
- MindOut's online support service is an instant message service that is confidential, non-judgemental and anonymous. Open most evenings from 5:30-7:30 pm, and on Sundays from 2-4 pm. The service is run by trained Online Support workers and mental health advocates who are ready to provide emotional support, information or signpost you in the right direction.
- DrugRehab provides information and support to people facing substance use disorders, especially within the LGBTQ+ community.
- Bi.org is a resource listing a variety of community and support organisations for bisexual people.
- Everyone Is Gay is an informative and light-hearted American website offering advice to LGBTQ+ youth.
- Gendered Intelligence is a not-for-profit organisation aiming to increase understanding of gender diversity, which runs youth groups and a mentoring scheme for trans people aged 13 to 25.
- Switchboard is an LGBTQ+ helpline based in London that can take calls from anywhere in the UK, available from 10 am to 11 pm.
- IMMAN is a peer support group for LGBTQ+ Muslims that aims to help reconcile faith with sexuality and gender identity.
- London Friend is UK's oldest lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans charity, supporting the health and mental wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community in and around London.
- LGBT Foundation advice, support and inform for LGBTQ+ people.
- RUComingOut is a website featuring real-life coming out stories from lesbian, gay, bi and trans people.
- Stonewall is a nationwide LGBTQ+ rights charity, offering help and advice (if you are an international student, Stonewall can also connect you to LGBTQ+ groups and support in your home country).
- Transgender Support Groups is an international directory of support groups for trans individuals and their families in multiple cities across 16 countries.
- Tranzwiki is a comprehensive and regularly updated directory of trans+ support groups and resources available through the UK.
- London Frontrunners is London's inclusive running and triathlon club for LGBT+ and gay-friendly people