Wolverhampton named as one of the top gay-friendly universities

Stonewall has launched the second edition of Gay By Degree – the only guide profiling the UK’s 150 universities to show how gay-friendly they are.

Gay By Degree 2012 enables gay students applying to go to university in 2012 to find out what different universities offer to meet their needs, and will help them find a university where they will feel comfortable to be themselves.

The University of Wolverhampton was one of only four to meet all ten criterion measured in the guide, alongside Imperial College, University College London and Portsmouth.

Equality and Diversity Manager, Cindy Williams-Findlay, said: "This recognition is a credit to all our students and staff who make our University environment inclusive of LGBT people. Particular credit is due to students and staff who have been active in our LGBT networks over the past years and assisted us to create inclusive policies, practices and facilities that really make a difference.

"I look forward to working with staff and student colleagues over the next year to prepare for the University's submission to the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, which we hope will lead to our gaining a top 100 place."

Gay By Degree – published online at http://www.gaybydegree.org.uk - measures each UK university against 10 criteria, including whether there is a student lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) Society, whether tailored LGB careers advice is offered, whether the university supports its LGB staff, and whether policies and practices that counter homophobic bullying and specific events for gay students are in place. This year the guide also includes a new ‘career spotlight’ section, which features profiles of 12 recent LGB graduates each working in different sectors.

Chris Dye, Stonewall’s Education Officer, said: “Gay By Degree means lesbian, gay and bisexual students can compare how gay-friendly their university choices are and what each will offer to help them achieve their ambitions and fulfil their life aspirations. With universities increasing their maximum fees for 2012 prospective students want to ensure that they’re getting the best value for money from a university that will treat them with respect.”

To read the Guardian article about the guide, visit: http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2011/jul/18/stonewall-university-gay-friendly-guide

To read Wolverhampton’s profile on the Stonewall website, please visit: http://www.gaybydegree.org.uk/index.php?dir=university&task=view-detail&uniId=125

ENDS

For media inquiries, please call Vickie Warren on 01902 32 2736