LGBTQ+ Support and Information
Student Services is committed to supporting our LGBTQ+ student community, and to playing our part in making St Andrews a supportive, inclusive and safe place. We understand that societal problems including discrimination, biphobic, homophobic or transphobic behaviour, microaggressions and intolerance have a significant impact on the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people. Equally, we know that inclusive services and supportive environments where people can feel heard, respected, accepted, valued and safe are vital for every person’s wellbeing and mental health. We are passionate about achieving this for our students and staff.
Our service aims to deliver on these values by:
- providing quality student support, advice and information
- working collaboratively with student representative groups and student service users to continuously develop and improve our services;
- being a core member of the University’s Central Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee;
- working closely with the University and Students’ Association and the EDI team on inclusive learning, accessible support and clear pathways for students to report any instances of harassment, discrimination or a hate incident/crime;
- working with external health services, third sector agencies and specialist services to signpost and refer students where more specialist support is required.
Student Support at University
There is a range of support and services available to LGBTQ+ students within Student Services, including support and advice for Disability Services, Money Advice, International Advice, Residence Life and crisis or emergency support.
- Our Wellbeing, Counselling and Mental health team can provide individuals with confidential support and information. For an appointment, please book a Consultation appointment online, call us at 01334462020 or email theasc@st-andrews.ac.uk.
- While our service is not a specialist service, we will work with every person to collaboratively understand their support needs, and help with identifying the best support options suited to their needs whether within or outwith the University, or both. Our service has had staff training links with organisations such as LGBT Youth Scotland, Stonewall and links with Pink Saltire for referrals for specialist support, and we work to ensure that Student Services forums for continuous improvement and service developments include the voice of Saints LGBT+.
- We understand that some students may prefer to access support outwith the University context, and in this webpage have included a list of external resources, alongside a list of resources and contacts curated by Saints LGBT+ students.
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If you are living in University accommodation and wish to discuss transferring rooms, please contact your Wardennial team in the first instance. Transfers are subject to availability.
Saints LGBT+
Saints LGBT+ is a subcommittee of the University of St Andrews Students’ Association, driven to stand against discrimination and ensure an open community for all. For further information please see: https://www.saintslgbt.com/.
The Saints LGBT+ committee and wellbeing team has curated a list of sources of information and contact details. These resources are aimed primarily at LGBT+ individuals but are available to everybody.
Pronouns and Gender-inclusive language
This is the University's Pronoun Guidance document. This document is hosted on the University's Governance Zone and is subject to regular review and amendments.
University Course: Pronouns and Gender-inclusive language – Training Video
Transcript for the Pronoun and Gender-inclusive Language training video
This training video is designed to equip staff and students with a basic understanding of the importance of adopting an inclusive approach towards gendered language and the use of pronouns within the University community. The intention of this video is to provide people with the tools and understanding to help you treat everyone with respect and dignity with respect to gender and inclusivity.
The video includes information on the following:
- Gender identity
- Pronouns
- Titles
- Gender-inclusive language in practice
- What to do when things go wrong
- Where to find further support and information
- Give feedback to the University
Reporting Discrimination
If you or someone you know has experienced discrimination, a hate incident/crime, harassment or victimisation, you can report such incidents anonymously using the University’s Report and Support tool. You can also choose to report using your contact details so a Student Services adviser can get in touch with you to provide support. Students are equally welcome to contact or seek information directly from the University’s Student Conduct officer.
University Policies and LGBT+ life at St Andrews
External Resources
Supporting LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse and violence.
Trans support and education.
Gendered Intelligence directory of therapists and counsellors:
This directory is a listing of members of Gendered Intelligence’s Network for Therapists and Counsellors who wish to offer their services to trans people (and their families and partners).
Gendered Intelligence Trans Youth Groups
Information about youth group sessions run by Gendered Intelligence.
Imaan is a charity that supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning (LGBTQ) Muslims, providing an online forum where people can share experiences and ask for help.
LGBT Youth Scotland: Groups and Support
Mermaids supports transgender, nonbinary and gender-diverse children and young people until their 20th birthday, as well as their families and professionals involved in their care. We also currently offer web chat support to students up to the age of 25.
LGBTQ+ Mental Health Support information.
Pink Therapy
Pink Therapy has an online directory of therapists who work with people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer or questioning, and people who are gender- and sexual-diverse (GSD).
Police Scotland information and resources on reporting hate crime
LGBTQ+ support for Disabilities.
Services and information for trans and gender diverse people, including counselling, mentouring, and social groups.
Stonewall Support Directory: What’s in my area?
Find LGBT services and community groups that are local to you.
Student Space (from Student Minds)
Phone and webchat support for trans, gender-diverse and nonbinary students, available 9am-9pm, Monday to Friday. This service is available to anyone from the age of 19 to 25.
Information and resources on reporting LGBTQ+ hate crime in the UK.
Here you can find resources that have been produced by the LGBT Foundation specifically for trans people. This includes information on name changes and safe binding.