Presentation
This session by the University of the Arts London explores how the higher education sector can move from performative allyship to truly transformative LGBTQIA+ inclusion across student accommodation and support services.
At a time when LGBTQIA+ communities are facing heightened polarisation, legislative rollbacks in some regions, and increasing reports of harassment and mental health challenges, our role as Student Services professionals has never been more critical. Providers are often the first place students live authentically and independently and the environments we create can either empower or endanger that journey.
The practical session will combine real student voice, current sector data, and lived experience to examine what meaningful inclusion really looks like in 2026. We'll unpack the difference between policy and practice, explore how teams can confidently navigate complex conversations, and highlight the power of visible leadership.