At King's we are dedicated to uplifting every member of our community to help them achieve their highest potential.
This article was produced with input from an LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and more) student at King's who offered their insights and advice on accessing support, engaging with LGBTQ+ student groups, and making the most of their experience at King's.
Practical support for LGBTQ+ students
King’s is committed to creating an inclusive, respectful and safe environment for every member of our community. If you ever need it, here’s some practical advice to support you along the way.
Adding your pronouns to your King's accounts
Using an individual’s correct pronouns and feeling able to share your own (should you wish), contributes to an inclusive and welcoming environment. You have the option to add your pronouns to your Microsoft 365 profile card which will be shown on Microsoft apps such as Outlook and Teams.
You can also update your pronouns on Student Records. For more information, visit our article I need to change my name on my student record.
Adding your name's pronunciation to your King's accounts
Names are a crucial part of a person’s identity. The name pronunciation feature on the Microsoft 365 profile card means you can record and share the correct pronunciation of your name. With a click, users can play and listen to these name pronunciations.
You can also update your name’s pronunciation on Student Records. For more information, visit our article I need to change my name on my student record.
Changing your name on your student record
If you need to inform us of a change to your name, you can visit our article I need to change my name on my student record.
It's essential that your university records accurately reflect your official documents, such as your passport, national ID card, or BRP, but your ‘Known as’ name which you’re addressed as on a day-to-day basis can easily be changed.
Trans Equality Guidance & LGBTQ+ Hub
King’s has outlined its commitment to embed equality for trans students and staff across the institution through this Trans Equality Guidance. This document provides you with practical guidance on trans matters.
You can also find useful information and resources on King’s LGBTQIA+ Hub which is a comprehensive resource providing the tools, knowledge and support to help any member of the King’s community be part of creating an inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Report + Support
Bullying and harassment has no place at King’s. If you have experienced or witnessed inappropriate behaviour, you can report it to King’s to discuss options for support and possible action, and access support information about specialist services. You can either report anonymously or by sharing your contact details.
Take care of yourself
To make the most of your time at university, you need to take care of yourself.
Taking care of your physical health
Exercise can help boost your self-esteem, reduce stress and increase your mood. If you are struggling to exercise regularly, here are some services that can support you:
- King's Sport & Wellness offer a range of support for your physical and mental wellbeing. The Wellness Scheme provides free 1-2-1. For more information, please read our article What does King's Sport & Wellness have on offer.
- The London LGBTQ+ Community Centre offers free meditation and exercise classes on a regular basis. You can find more information about classes by visiting their website.
You can also read our article Top tips on managing your physical health while studying for guidance on looking out after yourself and using the NHS to support you.
Taking care of your sexual health
If you are sexually active, it's important to take measures to protect your health. There are specialised LGBTQ+ services available to help you feel more comfortable:
- 56 Dean Street offers a range of services including STI screening, PrEP and HIV services. They also run a clinic for trans and non-binary people every Wednesday between 16:30 and 19:00.
If you'd like to know more about support for your sexual health, please check out our article Where can I get support for my sexual health?
Taking care of your wellbeing
If you'd like to speak to someone about any issues affecting your mental health or wellbeing, King's offer a range of services to support you.
Student Wellbeing Team
The Student Wellbeing Team’s advisors can work with you to identify challenges and to help find the best routes through these. You can choose an Advisor you feel comfortable with who can work with you to create an action plan tailored to your needs.
Here are some examples of the wellbeing areas that advisors can work with you on:
- Feelings of loneliness or not fitting in at King’s/within your community
- Challenges around overwhelm, procrastination, perfectionism
- Troubles navigating which support services might be right for you
- Prioritising competing pressures
Online guidance is also available 24/7 at King's Health and Wellbeing.
Counselling and Mental Health Support Service
If you’re seeking counselling, you can explore the King’s Counselling & Mental Health Support Service and what it has to offer. We have lots of guidance you can refer to:
Important to know: If you think it might help, you can request an LGBTQ+ counsellor after registering.
Queer Identities therapy group
King’s Counselling and Mental Health Support service run a therapy group for queer and questioning people at King’s. Queer Identities is a safe space for students to share their experiences and have therapeutic conversations about identity. Please email the service to express your interest.
External Support services
Alternatively, you can access mental health and wellbeing support outside of King's:
- London Friend is an LGBTQ+ charity that offers low cost counselling and regular socials support groups
- Mind OUT is an LGBTQ+ charity based in Brighton and Hove that offers online services such as peer support groups, online support chats and low-cost counselling.
- Switch board LGBT+ helpline is available between 10:00 and 23:00.
- Student Minds has resources on ‘Life as a trans+ student’ which offers advice and reflections on navigating university life as a transgender and/or non-binary student.
- U-Belong’s guide on Finding a Sense of Belonging as an LGBTQ+ Student: This external resource has been created by students, researchers and professionals to help LGBT+ students find their crowd at university.
Get involved in King's LGBTQ+ community
Creating a community is a vital part of settling into university life. It can be validating to find people who have had similar life experiences to you. The different KCLSU student groups and networks at King's provide safe spaces to make friends and meet likeminded people.
- King's LGBTQ+ society: A welcoming space for LGBTQ+ students and allies. King’s LGBTQ+ organise diverse events from club nights to panels, for students to meet, campaign on behalf of the LGBTQ+ student community, and promote awareness of LGBTQ+ issues.
GKT LGBT society: A society for all healthcare students. GKT LGBT society hosts casual social events based on Guy's Campus.
KCL QTIPOC society: A society representing and supporting the unique needs of Queer, Trans, & Intersex Students of Colour at KCL.
KCL LGBTQ+ network: A collective of students and societies who share the common goal of working towards LGBTQ+ liberation.
Explore community spaces outside of King's
You can also make connections outside of King's to feel integrated into the wider LGBTQ+ community. This can give you a chance to escape the university bubble, especially during stressful times like exams season. There are many LGBTQ+ charities and spaces in London. Here are a few:
- London LGBTQ+ Centre is an intergenerational, LGBTQ+ sober space that organises events, including Queer chat and craft and language exchange groups. The centre runs community events on Mondays and Tuesdays, and is open 11:00 - 20:00 Wednesday - Sunday for drop-ins. You can keep up to date by visiting London LGBTQ+ Centre: What's On.
- Dalston Superstore caters to London's diverse LGBTQ+ community with different events, a café, gallery, and club nights. Find out what's happening by visiting Dalston Superstore: What's On.
- The Common Press is a queer intersectional bookshop and café, providing access to titles by authors from a range of marginalised backgrounds, as well as LGBTQ+ events. Keep up with what's happening by visiting The Common Press: Events.