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LGBTQIA+

The LGBTQIA+ Working Group, as part of the School of Public Health People & Culture Committee, aims to create a safer, more inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ staff and students. As the School of Public Health’s scope is increasingly global, a particular focus of our working group includes support and training for study, research, or collaboration that involves international travel. This work has been recognised by the 2025 President’s Award for Excellence in Culture and Community (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion).

Current priorities

We are developing practical training, delivered with community partners such as MindOut, to help LGBTQIA+ staff and students navigate challenging situations when working or studying abroad, especially in regions with anti-LGBTQIA+ laws or sentiment. Our goal is to substantially increase the proportion of colleagues who feel confident handling these scenarios.
We are integrating clear LGBTQIA+ guidance and signposting into College travel risk-assessment processes and webpages, in collaboration with Imperial 600 and the College risk and insurance teams. As the College pilots the new Overseas Working reporting system, we are advocating for prompts that direct travellers to relevant training and resources.
We promote LGBTQIA+ visibility and belonging across the College and our local community by hosting and supporting events for World AIDS Day, LGBTQIA+ History Month, and Pride.

Led by Dr Joseph Hicks, our purpose and progress are evidence-led, drawing on School surveys to ensure actions are inclusive, effective, and responsive to staff and student needs. By promoting inclusion and supporting colleagues at home and overseas, we aim to create a welcoming culture in which staff and students can conduct their study, research, and collaboration openly and safely.