ABOUT THE LGBTQ+ STAFF NETWORK
Values Statement
The University of Suffolk LGBTQ+ staff network is a fully inclusive group that offers a safe space to discuss and work towards LGBTQ+ inclusivity, equality and diversity within the University community, and more widely within Suffolk. We are a group for all members of staff, whether in professional, support or academic departments. We are a judgement-free group where people, regardless of their gender and sexuality, can build networks for socialising, support and academic purposes.
Our group operates with an expectation of confidentiality and discretion, which all members and guests should respect. We provide a safe environment which encourages discussion in a non-judgmental and supportive way. This is a space for education and advocacy, where we can challenge discrimination and provide visibility and representation for the LGBTQ+ community.
Vision/Mission Statement
The University of Suffolk LGBTQ+ staff network will strive to work closely with the University and collaborate with community groups to put on various activities throughout the year to promote, engage, and educate, to enrich the lives of the LGBTQ+ community. We aim to do so to promote the network and inclusivity, and tolerance more widely.
If you are interested in joining this group, please contact Lauren Smith, Culture Business Partner.
SEX, GENDER AND GENDER IDENTITY EXPLAINED
Despite being different things, it is common for people to confuse sex, gender and gender identity
Sex
Your biological sex is a label assigned by a doctor at birth based on attributes such as anatomy, chromosomes and hormones. An individual can be male, female, or intersex (when a person is born with sexual or reproductive anatomy that doesn’t fit the stereotypical standards of male and female sexes).
Gender
A set of expectations from society about behaviours, characteristics, and thoughts. Gender is usually considered binary (male or female), but can also be viewed as a spectrum, instead of being anchored on biology, it’s more about how you are expected to act, because of your sex.
Gender Identity
Refers to an individual’s internal sense of gender i.e. being a woman, being a man, neither of these, both. This can be woman, man, transgender, cisgender, non-binary, genderqueer/gender fluid or agendered.
LGBTQ+
Is relevant to both sexual orientation and gender identity. Sexual orientation is about who you are attracted to. Gender identity is about who you are and is a personal, internal perception of oneself.
USING GENDER INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE
In language terms, the most inclusive strategy is to avoid references to a person’s gender except where it is pertinent to the discussion. If you are in conversation with someone and you are unsure of their gender identity, use gender neutral language and take cues from the individual. Remember to avoid stereotyping people and not base their identity on how they look.
If you make a mistake, that is OK! You just need to correct yourself and apologise. Language will always be complicated and old habits are hard to get out of but people should be able to identify as they feel and whatever words/labels align with that.
Using gender-neutral language makes a big difference in the workplace and the classroom. It makes everyone feel welcome, no matter their identity. It sets an example for employees and students that gender-neutral language is the norm and that no one should assume anything about someone without asking first.
The table below helps break down how gendered language is used day to day and tips on how to amend your language to be more gender inclusive.
Tips Instead of Try
Use gender neutral terms
Man, Mankind
Workmanship
Man-made
Humans, Humankind
Quality of work/skills
Artificial, manufactured, synthetic
Use gender neutral pronouns and expressions
Welcome ladies and gentlemen
You guys
This group of ladies
Welcome folks
You all
This group of people
Respect the preferences of those people who want to be referred to by gender neutral pronouns
Use terms that include all relationships
Avoid titles that imply the usual job-holder being of a particular gender
She, her, hers and he, him, his
They, them, theirs
It is correct to use in the singular
Boyfriend, girlfriend, wife, husband, mum, dad
Cleaning ladies
Fireman Chairman
Partner, spouse, parent
Cleaners
Firefighter Chairperson
GENDER RELATED TERMS
Language is constantly changing and evolving to help us to better describe the world around us and ourselves. Here’s some terms related to gender identity and expression.
Gender Identity
Someone’s psychological identity, their inner sense of self and where they sit (or don’t) on the gender spectrum.
Gender Binary
The categorisation of gender into two distinct opposite sexes (female or male).
Gender Expression
The external display of one’s gender through a combination of clothing, demeanour, social behaviour, and other factors, generally made sense of on scales of masculinity and femininity. Also referred to as ‘gender presentation’.
Questioning
Being uncertain of one’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Gender Fluid
A term which refers to gender identity that changes depending on the mood/situation as opposed to a fixed role.
Sex Assigned at Birth
A phrase used to intentionally recognise a person’s assigned sex (not gender). Other related terms are AFAB – assigned female at birth and AMAB – assigned male at birth.
Non-Binary
A gender identity label used by some people who do not identify with the binary of man/ woman. Often abbreviated to “enby” (based on the pronunciation of N-B).
Transition
A common name for the process undergone by a trans person to bring their external gender expression into congruence with their internal gender identity. This can include social, medical and legal changes.
Gender Non-Conforming
A gender expression descriptor that indicates a non-traditional gender presentation. Also used as a gender identity label that indicates a person who identifies outside of the gender binary.
Transgender
An umbrella term often applied to a wide range of people’s gender identities where the identity does not conform to the expectations of the sex assigned to that person at birth.
Cisgender
Someone whose gender aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth.
Intersex
Term for a combination of chromosomes, gonads, hormones, internal sex organs, and genitals that differs from the two expected patterns of male or female.
