45% of LGB+ respondents and 52% of trans respondents were aware that their
university has an LGBT+ society before applying to study there.
Perpetrators of homophobic and transphobic bullying were most often identified as
being male students.
Some women respondents identified homophobia as being part of ‘lad culture’.
The Metro Youth Chances research – a survey of young people’s (16–25) experiences of
identifying as LGBTQ – considers experiences of university students.100 This was an online
survey of 7,126 respondents, of which 6,514 were LGBTQ. A high number of respondents
reported that fellow students were speaking up against homophobia, biphobia and
transphobia (77% and 74% of LGBQ and transgender respondents respectively) and 68% of
both LGBQ and transgender respondents said that there was a policy they knew of to protect
staff and students.101 Another report on LGBT+ student experiences, Freshers to Finals,
found that university engagement with issues affecting these students took place periodically
rather than systematically, for example during LGBT History Week and local Pride events.
There is often a feeling that student-led LGBTQ societies carry out the most activity in this
area, rather than the university.102 This research again suggests that a range of approaches,
and student perceptions of these, vary substantially across the sector. It also suggests that
while universities may have policies in place, these are not necessarily linked to wider
awareness raising activity.
Although the numbers of students who report harassment on the basis of identifying as
LGB+ or trans appear to be low, the NUS study reveals that incidents have a big impact on
university experiences. The research suggests that LGBT students who have experienced a
form of homophobic, biphobic or transphobic harassment are two to three more times likely
to consider leaving their course.103 LGB+ students are also more likely to consider dropping
out than heterosexual students and the main reason for this is the feeling of not fitting in.
Further, there appears to be a particular issue around how accepted trans students feel on
campus. Thus, although the evidence suggests that the number of incidents may be low, the
report advocates that universities and students’ unions should do more to prevent unwanted
behaviour and provide support for those individuals who need it.
Wider stakeholder evidence
Stonewall has also been active in this area previously and has developed a guide which scores
each university against a checklist of ten criteria they believe universities should have in
place in order to provide the best environment for LGBT students. This checklist is currently
under review and due to re-launch in 2016. In 2012, Stonewall published The School Report
(2012), which examined the experiences of students in schools and identified various
findings of relevance to higher education. The research found that one in three lesbian, gay
or bi young people who are bullied consider changing their future educational plans as a
result, for instance by deciding not to go to university or college. 20% of LGB students in
Metro Youth Chances, Survey of 16-25 year olds: first reference report (2014).
Ibid.
102 Formby, E., Freshers to Finals (July 2015).
103 NUS, Education beyond the straight and narrow: LGB+, trans, bullying and harassment on campus (2014),
p.5.
100
101
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