This month we are spotlighting the LGBTQ+ staff network and the Trans and Non-Binary (TNB) staff network.  

The University’s staff networks play an important role in achieving the goals outlined in the Inclusive Sussex strategy. They provide opportunities for staff to connect with colleagues from across Sussex and participate in various activities. They play an essential role in representing the staff voice, helping to shape policies and procedures that support equality, diversity and inclusion and ensuring the University meets its goals in these areas. 

LGBTQ+ staff network

The LGBTQ+ staff network co-chairs write... 

The LGBTQ+ staff network seeks to raise awareness of key dates and understanding of issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community. Our aim is to share and celebrate the contributions of LGBTQIA+ people and groups whilst amplifying and echoing LGBTQIA+ voices. Over the months, we’ve arranged a range of colourful internal and external events for our Network members, including: 

• Polari workshop for LGBT+ History Month 
• Drag King Night for Trans Pride Awareness Week 
• Wellbeing Festival Picnic for Trans Pride 
• A visit to The Keep to check out the LGBTQ+ History Archive 

….plus much more! 

Our allies are very important to us and were invited along to our Winter Quiz to enjoy the festivities! We work very closely with the Trans and Non-Binary staff network and have collaborated on several events together. In addition, we’ve collaborated with the Neurodiversity staff network and delivered an online event for our members to connect whilst discussing a relevant topic. Going forward, we plan on collaborating with other staff networks to deliver intersectionality-focussed events. 

We’ve recently started the Hot Topics Members Forum, which alternates between in-person and online once a month and provides a safe space for members to connect and chat about key topics.  

Watch this space for our event to commemorate International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia in May 2025, and our plan to recognise and celebrate Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showmen and Boater communities within the LGBTQIA+ community. 

As a member of the LGBTQ+ staff network you can: 

The LGBTQ+ staff network is open to all staff members who identify as LGBTQ+. If you want more information or to join the network, please email lgbt-staff@sussex.ac.uk  

TNB staff network

The Trans and Non-Binary staff network is a confidential and fully inclusive group, open to all staff members who identify as trans or non-binary. It meets occasionally to discuss and review policy development and organises events throughout the year. 

If you would like further information or to join the network you can contact the network by emailing transnonbinarystaff@sussex.ac.uk. To ensure confidentiality, the mailing list is accessed only by the network chair. 

Attendance at network events

The University Commitment to Staff Networks encourages managers to support members to attend network meetings and events during their working hours where business needs allow. This is part of valuing the crucial contribution of our staff networks and their important role in supporting us to achieve our goals outlined in Inclusive Sussex.