4 out of 5 LGBT+ students say they are not getting enough support from their university

A new study has found most LGBT+ students in the UK feel like they are struggling because there is not adequate support from their university, Gay Star News (GSN) reports.

The study, from Student Minds, surveyed 467 students, graduates, and Student Union representatives for a report on “LGBTQ+ Student Mental Health”. 28 percent of students said do not feel engaged in their university’s LGBTQ+ community. While 54 percent said they also feel that they cannot engage with their local LGBTQ+ community as well.

“Respondents suggested that LGBTQ+ societies and representatives were not always warm, friendly and welcoming,” the report reads. “The leadership of LGBTQ+ societies are seen as ‘cliquey’ and exclusive.”

“There is a clear need for educational institutions to provide culturally competent and well-funded mental health support,” says US LGBT+ Officer Eden Ladley to GSN. “Especially around body image, eating disorders and trauma.

“Students’ Unions also have a key role to play in facilitating the provision of LGBT+ peer support services. The NUS LGBT+ Campaign will be supporting LGBT+ societies in students’ unions to better provide that support.

The report shows nine in ten students want their universities to provide a peer support program for LGBT+ students, while many more want their universities to provide more funding to on-campus LGBT+ spaces.

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