LGBTQIA+ Rights at University

LGBTQIA+ students can experience discrimination, harassment, and victimisation in many areas of life—and unfortunately, universities are no exception. If you believe your rights have been infringed, obtaining specialist legal advice can help you understand your options and take action.

Please note: we are only able to take on privately funded cases. If you are unable to fund your case privately or if you are looking for general guidance on what actions you can take to protect your or your child’s education rights , you may refer to the Citizens Advice website.

Our Expertise

Our team has extensive experience advising LGBTQIA+ students at university. We can assess whether you have a case and support you in taking steps to put things right.

We offer a fixed-fee initial consultation with a specialist solicitor in our education law team so you can explain your situation and see how we may be able to help.

How Our Experts Can Help

Direct Discrimination

Direct discrimination occurs when someone is treated less favourably because of a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010. Sexual orientation and gender reassignment are protected characteristics, making this type of discrimination unlawful.

Our experts can advise on whether the treatment you experienced amounts to direct discrimination and help you report the issue and seek a fair outcome.

Indirect Discrimination

Indirect discrimination happens when a policy or rule applied to everyone negatively impacts a group with a protected characteristic, such as sexual orientation or gender reassignment. Even if unintentional, the harm caused may be serious.

If you have experienced indirect discrimination, we can help you challenge discriminatory policies and take action over any harm suffered.

Harassment

Harassment involves unwanted behaviour such as bullying. When linked to being LGBTQIA+ at university, it may breach the Equality Act 2010.

If you believe you have been harassed, we can discuss your experience and explain your legal rights.

Victimisation

Victimisation can occur when someone is treated unfairly for challenging discrimination. This is also unlawful under the Equality Act 2010.

We can assist with raising the issue with your university and guiding you through every step of the process.

FAQ - LGBTQIA+ Rights at University

How can universities be more LGBTQIA+ inclusive?

Universities should engage with students and LGBTQIA+ organisations to understand their needs and concerns. Giving students a voice and listening to them is crucial.

How can universities make LGBTQIA+ students feel safer?

Clear, effective policies on inclusion, discrimination, harassment, and victimisation are essential, along with robust reporting and investigation procedures.

What are LGBTQIA+ rights at university?

While there are no specific LGBTQIA+ laws for universities, the Equality Act 2010 protects against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender reassignment.