Thursday, 6 February 2025

Being Queer in Halls - Understanding LGBTQ issues in Student Accommodation (February)

This online session gives a great introduction for staff working in privately provided student accommodation and the Higher Education Sector who want to discover the biggest issues and concerns faced by the LGBTQ+ community. The session aims to clarify terminology, introduce methods of combating homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in accommodation, and show some of the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ students – all in an attempt to improve the student experience for this community.

Spaces Available

Make a booking

Agenda

9.30am - 10.50am Introduction and Terminology

10.50am - 11.10am Flags

11.10am - 11.40am Discrimination

11.40am - 11.50am Break

11.50am - 1.00pm Transgender Tennants

Speakers

Toria Thomas, Tenancy Support and Wellbeing Coordinator, Unipol Student Homes

Toria is a Tenancy Support and Wellbeing Coordinator at Unipol. Having previously trained as a Religious Education secondary school teacher, so is well used to broaching difficult topics and answering sensitive questions. Since joining Unipol in May 2022, Toria has assisted student tenants with numerous issues, ranging from flat fallouts and messy kitchens, to mental health crises. Toria is passionate about LGBTQ+ rights, animal welfare and averting climate disaster.

Details

With more and more students identifying as LGBTQ+, universities and student accommodation providers need to ensure that they are doing all they can to protect these students, and ensuring a safe harmonious environment for all. In a 2020 study by UCAS, 7.2% of their UK domiciled applicants identified as LGBTQ+ - 2.5 times above the national average for all adults[1]. To add to this, a study by Stonewall published in 2020 showed that experiences of discrimination and a lack of support directly impacted on some LGBTQ+ students’ ability to complete their studies[2]. As a result, it is important that those providing the basic provision of housing do what they can to support this ever growing cohort.

With the landscape and issues constantly shifting and changing, it can be difficult or confusing for accommodation managers to know how best to support LGBTQ+ students, provide a safe and welcoming environment, and discuss problems when they do arise. This session is designed to raise awareness of the issues that many of these students face, along with clarification of terminology and recommendations for good practice.

This session from Unipol Training will:

  • Explain the basics of appropriate language and terminology used by the LGBTQ+ community
  • Examine the impact of homophobia and biphobia, challenge stereotypes and consider what accommodation providers can do
  • Look at the growing cohort of transgender students; the difficulties they face, the legal obligations of accommodation providers and the increased attention of the media to transphobic views and the effect of this

Delegates will leave the session with:

  • An understanding of the key issues, barriers and challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community
  • An understanding of the impact of negative language, stereotyping and behaviours
  • An understanding of good practice in this area and how to ensure that services are inclusive and safe for all residents

Cost per delegate

Normal Delegate Rate - £120

Friends of Unipol Rate - £95

Make a booking

Other Events

Thu 24 Oct 2024

This is Not What I Signed Up For - The Anatomy of Student Complaints (online)

A Constructive Approach to Student Accommodation Complaints: achieving satisfaction through understanding and utilising feedback This online course...

View Event Details
Tue 10 Dec 2024

Dealing with Disgruntled Tenants: Conflict Management in Student Accommodation (Leeds)

This in-person course is aimed at staff working in privately provided student accommodation and in the Higher Education sector, particularly those who...

View Event Details
Wed 27 Nov 2024

Mental Health First Aid (Online) - November

Become a Mental Health First Aider by attending this online course with Unipol Training....

View Event Details