Rainbow lanyards: feedback and update

James Allen — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 10:33:29 +0000

In February during LGBT History month, Pulse began the campaign to promote rainbow lanyards across UoS. The lanyards are a symbol of solidarity, where any member of staff can show their support for the LGBT+ community and help build an inclusive place at Southampton. I’ve been delighted with the response and feedback over the past few months, where demand now outstrips supply.

The influence of the rainbow lanyards at the University has been far reaching. Whole teams have requested lanyards, prospective students and their parents ask about LGBT activities and events at Open Day, and elsewhere the increased visibility has been the catalyst to having open and honest conversations about how we support and accept each other. Here is some feedback received a few days ago, which I’m able to share with you:

“On Friday 22/6/18 I was at a school in Andover giving a talk to Year 10 pupils about Engineering as part of their careers day. I was wearing my Pulse lanyard as I generally do at external events (and internally as well of course!) – and also I know that the majority of our Outreach team do as well. After my talk one of the pupils came to speak to me to say she found the talk really interesting – but also that she really liked my lanyard and that she thought it was particularly cool as she is gay – which I thought was really lovely! I told her that it was a really simple but successful campaign at the university that had genuinely changed the atmosphere there in a very positive way! Anyway, I just thought you’d like to know that your wonderful campaign is having a really positive impact, both within the university and beyond!”

So keep wearing your rainbow lanyard with Pride; it makes a difference to more people than we may realise. In the mean time, we’re requesting budget for further stock so watch this space for when supply becomes available.

If you’ve got any other feedback or stories to share across the network, then let me know. Also, if you’ve got ideas for future campaigns then get in touch – this is your Pulse network.

Making LGBT+ inclusion visible: wearing a rainbow lanyard

James Allen — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 10:00:49 +0000

February is LGBT History Month where we celebrate equality and diversity, by increasing the visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other identities that differ from a heterosexual cis gender majority.

We recognise that when anyone can be themselves, they have an increased sense of wellbeing and perform better. The University community needs to embed a culture that is inclusive, and make it easy to show support for each other, by enabling a safe and friendly workplace.

“By being a supporter of the LGBT+ community, you can contribute towards a positive working environment, where collegiality is visible and helps show the University is a place where we celebrate diversity and inclusion” Sir Christopher Snowden – Vice Chancellor

Therefore, we encourage you to wear a rainbow lanyard, to show our colleagues and students that the University is inclusive.

“Wearing a rainbow lanyard is an easy way to show your support for people around you, no matter their gender or sexual identity. It helps show that the University is a safe space, where we encourage each other to be genuine” James Allen – Pulse LGBT+ Staff Network Chair

To pick one up, get in touch with your local campus rep, details of which are on the dedicated Rainbow Lanyards page.

Pulse LGBT+ Staff Network rainbow lanyard

Article reproduced from SUSSED news

Merchandise – Pulse LGBT+ Staff Network

Rainbow lanyards: feedback and update

Making LGBT+ inclusion visible: wearing a rainbow lanyard