Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
At Leeds Beckett, we are committed to fostering a supportive environment where everyone feels heard, respected, and safe.
This page includes information and resources for anyone needing assistance or support, no matter where they fall on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. LGBTQIA+ is a common abbreviation that embraces a matrix of various sexual orientations and gender identities, the letters stand for: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual/Pansexual, Trans, Queer/Genderqueer, Intersex and Agender/Asexual/Ally, with the + indicating that the list is far from complete.
For our LGBTQIA+ students, social support can be a vital component of their university experience, significantly contributing to success and overall wellbeing. We know that social support from peers can provide emotional, practical, and informational assistance, helping students navigate any potential challenges they may face during their academic journey.
Below you can find out how we can contribute to our students' social support network.
The community within LBU celebrates diversity and supports individuals who identify with any marginalised romantic, sexual orientation, or gender identity. By joining, students can gain access to a private online community forum where they can connect with fellow students. The SU can be contacted by email at studentvoice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk for further information.
This is a network for our LGBTQ+ staff members, including students who are also staff members, to discuss Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) issues within our university's community. Key information can be found on the Rainbow Rose webpage. To join the mailing list, please email equality@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
The university offers a variety of support services and information for our trans and non-binary students from application to graduation, these include:
If you would like to update your personal details please complete the name change form available on MyHub - Student Name Change Request Form. Once you have submitted the form, our team will receive all the necessary information to initiate the changes. You will receive a confirmation email upon submission, and one of our team members will follow up with more details when complete.
If you are legally changing your name, please attach supporting documentation to the form. Accepted documents include deed polls (enrolled or unenrolled), passports, marriage certificates, or decree absolutes. These can be submitted as scans or photos.
If you have any questions feel free to contact the Student Life Advisers at studentadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
We understand that everyone's situation is unique, and not all options will be suitable for everyone. We will only provide support based on your preferences.
If you prefer, we can arrange a one-on-one meeting, either in person or over the phone, to discuss the support you need, this can be actioned straight away or we can simply talk through your options if you would like to think about your next steps.
Coming out is an incredibly personal decision and there is no right or wrong way to do it. We hope that if you decide to come out to your family, they will be open and receptive. However, we understand that this is not always the case. Such experiences can affect mental health and have practical implications, you can learn more about the support available to our estranged students before you arrive and during your time with us on our Care Experienced and Estranged Students webpage.
The university acknowledges that some LGBTQIA+ students might be studying without financial backing from their parents. To support these students, the university offers a bursary for those who are under 25, permanently estranged from their parent(s), normally reside in England, and have been assessed as eligible for full funding from Student Finance England. For students entering our university for the first time in 2024, the amounts payable are £1,000 at Level 4, £1,500 at Level 5, and £1,000 at Level 6, which will each be paid in two instalments by BACS. You can find further information about eligibility and how to apply on our Bursaries, Scholarships and Discounts page.
In addition to this, students can apply for our Hardship Fund. This provides additional financial help towards the essential costs associated with being a student. The award from the fund is a non-repayable grant, and students can only apply once per academic year. The fund is means-tested, and evidence must be provided. Within the entitlement calculation, there are certain allowances which result in priority being given to certain groups; this includes students (25 and under) who are estranged from their families. Further information is available on our Hardship Fund page.
University can be an exciting time, but it can also be a time when students may need additional support, including LGBTQIA+ students.
Our Student Wellbeing team is made up of qualified counsellors and mental health practitioners who can support you through anything you might be going through. All you need to do is fill out a self-referral form online and then you'll be able to book your assessment appointment where they will discuss how they can help. It is a free and confidential service and you'll find the registration form, self-help information and events on the Wellbeing page.
Leeds Beckett firmly believes that all students have the right to study and learn in a supportive environment, free from discrimination, bullying and harassment. If you ever experience unacceptable behaviour, LBU is here to support you via our Support, Report Respect disclosure tool and Students' Unions Advice service:
Our Library team has created a comprehensive LGBTQ+ Reading List, featuring a range of LGBTQ+ culture, celebration, and knowledge for our students. Explore the list and discover more on the Library webpages.
We know how important it is for LBU to stay connected with our Local Community, providing necessary representation that keeps us all connected!
We proudly join the Leeds Pride Parade alongside students and staff from LBU and LBSU to celebrate our wonderful LGBTQ+ community. You can find out more about Leeds Pride via their website.
New to Leeds or just looking for support in our area? We have included a range of local groups our students might find helpful.
Gendered Intelligence
This organisation provides in person spaces that aim to give young people the opportunity to come together, meet other trans, non-binary, and gender-questioning people.
Yorkshire MESMAC
As one of the oldest/largest sexual health organisations in the UK, Yorkshire MESMAC, offers services to various communities, especially those most at risk of HIV.
Leeds: Survivor-Led Crisis Service (Peer support)
This group is for anyone in the LGBT+ community who wants a safe, supportive space to meet up, share thoughts, feelings and discuss potential coping strategies for mental health issues that may be affecting you.
Out together
This charity unites the different generations of LGBTQ+ people across Yorkshire. They hold regular social events and activities in hopes to overcome the cultural and social barriers which can prevent us celebrating across generations.
TransLeeds
This peer support organisation run support groups for those under the trans umbrella who are over the age of 18. They run support groups, social events, a binder library, offer advocacy, and provide training.
National support groups
MindOut
MindOut is a mental health service run by and for lesbians, gay, bisexual, trans and queer people with experience of mental health issues.
Zoteria (App)
Zoteria enables anyone to report hate incidents directly to LGBTQ+ support charities in a confidential way, either for themselves or on behalf of someone else. Zoteria aims to improve the data gathered on LGBTQ+ hate incidents. Anonymised regional and city data will be available to local authorities so they can better understand the issue within their region. The app also provides advice, mental health and sexual health services, and information on local LGBTQ+ events.
