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.