Welcome to the University of Birmingham and to an exciting city with lots of opportunities to be involved with the LGBTQ+ community.
Here at UoB, we're committed to creating an environment that's welcoming to all students. Whether you're openly out or starting to explore your identity, learn more about how we celebrate and support our LGBTQ+ community, and meet other supportive people as you begin your studies.
Being LGBTQ+ at UoB
Read our student blogs and find out what it's like being LGBTQ+ at UoB and in the city.
Sophie (English and History) has blogged experiences of being LGBTQ+ at university, and on her year abroad in Canada.
International student Arianna shares what LGBTQ+ History Month means to her, and the importance of finding your own community.
The city (Birmingham) is also a friendly and welcoming place for everyone, with a thriving LGTBQ+ scene. There are no shortages of gay-friendly venues in Birmingham, especially in the ‘Gay Village’ (Hurst Street) next to the Chinese Quarter.
LGBTQ+ Groups to join
The Guild of Students' LGBTQ+ Association represents those who consider themselves to have a minority sexual/romantic orientation and/or gender identity, bringing students together through social events and campaigns.
oSTEM (Out in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is a society dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ students studying, or with an interest in, STEM subjects.
Birmingham Medsoc LGBTQ is a social group, where members of the Med School can get to know LGBTQ students in other years.
Postgraduate researchers are welcome to join the UoB's Rainbow Network, which provides a safe space for staff who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, or questioning, as well as friends and allies of these communities, to meet and develop contacts across the University. Staff can also join the LGBTQ+ Ally Scheme to support colleagues and students.
LGBTQ+ Mentoring
Careers Network offer LGBTQ+ Mentoring support as part of the Careers Network Mentoring scheme. Open to all LGBTQ+ students, our LGBTQ+ mentors aim to support students by gaining advice on how to be happy and fulfilled as an out lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer employee. Now well-established in the University, as far as we know it's the only such university support scheme in the UK, run jointly by Careers Network and Sean Russell of Get Out Stay Out.
Birmingham Pride
Birmingham Pride has become one of the most important LGBTQ+ festivals in the UK, with over 75,000 people participating in or watching the annual pride parade (which is free to attend) through the streets of the city.
As well as being a protest for LGBTQ+ recognition and equality, pride is a party - it's fun, full of colour, music, and dancing.
The University of Birmingham has been marching the annual pride parade through the streets of Birmingham since 2017, and more recently alongside other Higher Education institutions from the region and our own Guild of Students as a part of the UNIfied at Pride contingent.
We look forward to continuing to come together to celebrate LGBTQ+ equality with you all next year too – keep an eye on your student communications with more details on the dates, and how you can get involved.
Whether you're a member of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, here's what to expect at Birmingham Pride
Other resources
The Birmingham LGBT Centre advocates for and supports lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities in Birmingham and beyond, with a range of services focused on the health and wellbeing of individuals.
Find out more about the University's approach to student equality and diversity.