Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender + (LGBT+) Staff Network
Etiquette for LGBT+ inclusive working
We
love how people here in Edinburgh Napier make our university an inclusive
environment where everyone can be themselves. Here are a few simple tips
and links to resources we have found help.
Pronouns
(He/She/They/etc)
- Use
any pronouns people prefer
- Not
sure which pronoun to use? Use non-gendered personal pronouns such as
‘they'
- ‘They’
is ok to use for individuals
- If
addressing a group, choose something like students, colleagues or friends
- Include
your pronouns in your email signature – just one way to demonstrate you're
inclusive of all genders
Names
People
change names all the time, for a huge variety of reasons – use the name people
prefer. Names
are a great gender inclusive way to refer to people, if necessary.
Be
respectful
If
you get the pronoun wrong, a genuine apology and getting it right next time is
the right thing to do. Check
out Stonewall's glossary of terms and Truth
about Trans site, two informative resources which are handy at a time when
there is increased misinformation in the media, social media and wider society.
Holding an event?
You’ll
find our inclusive events communication checklist here.
Transitioning gender
The
University recognises that there is a spectrum of gender diversity and that
traditional gender stereotypes are inadequate in reflecting the lives of our
colleagues.
As
part of our wider Inclusion Strategy, the University is committed to creating a
positive and supportive environment where everyone feels proud, confident and
challenged – and that barriers preventing people from feeling at ease and being
respected are removed. This includes providing support and understanding to
staff who wish to take steps, or have already taken steps, to change the gender
with which they identify.
Transitioning
gender guidance for colleagues and line managers can be found here.
Our rainbow lanyard
The University’s thriving LGBT+ Network was the first of our Staff Inclusion Networks to launch in late 2016. As part of its launch a rainbow lanyard for staff id cards was created, superimposing the Napier logo over the ‘rainbow flag’.
The rainbow flag, commonly known as the gay pride flag or LGBT pride flag, is a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) pride and LGBT social movements. Other older uses of rainbow flags include a symbol of peace. The colours reflect the diversity of the LGBT community, as the flag is often used as a symbol of gay pride during LGBT rights marches. While this use of the rainbow flag originated in Northern California’s San Francisco Bay Area, the flag is now used worldwide.
Originally devised by San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker, the design has undergone several revisions since its debut in 1978, first to remove colours then restore them based on availability of fabrics. The most common variant consists of six stripes: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. The flag is typically flown horizontally, with the red stripe on top, as it would be in a natural rainbow.
An ever increasing number of people have chosen to wear the rainbow lanyard at Napier demonstrating their support/membership of the LGBT+ community. Edinburgh Napier University is committed to the creation of an inclusive culture and lanyards are available on request from the HR department in Sighthill or the LGBT+ Staff Network.
Our role model pin badge
The LGBT+ Network role model badge was introduced in 2018 to identify these individuals and recognise their important contribution to the creation of a truly inclusive culture at Napier.
Our role models are active members of our network with LGBT+ lived experience and have committed to a personal development programme exploring what it means to be a role model. They celebrate difference and encourage colleagues to join and celebrate our diverse University culture, creating a positive shared environment, which encourages both personal and professional development.
The badge was created by the University’s Graphic Designer, Yorgos Panagopoulos:
“The idea of the badge is quite simple really. I wanted to create a heart shaped symbol to showcase the appreciation and commitment of our Institution to the rights and fights of the LGBT community. Obviously it uses the colours of the LGBT flag and our own Napier red to showcase that union. If you turn the badge sideways it is also an arrow. This is because we use arrows a lot on our brand as a symbol of progress and movement. Finally the shape is designed as a 3D shape to give it further dynamism and hopefully stand out.”