Pride Month is here again! OU Pride (our Support Group for LGBTQIA+ students) will be running three events during June, which you are invited to join.
Pride Month is here again! As always, we are proud to be involved in this hugely significant month for so many OU students.
OU Pride (our Support Group for LGBTQIA+ students) will be running three events during June, which you are invited to join.
Pride Networks Together: Staff & Students in Conversation
Wednesday, 3 June
2pm–3pm
This joint event brings together OU Pride and the Proud OU staff network to explore how Pride networks support belonging, visibility, and community. Through shared discussion, the session will look at what motivates people to get involved, how LGBTQIA+ experiences can differ between staff and students, and how working together can strengthen impact.
The session will also focus on identifying shared challenges, plus future topics to shape collaboration between these networks.
This event is open to both OU staff and students.
Investigating the experiences of LGBTQIA+ students at The Open University
Monday, 8 June
11am–12 noon
The experience of LGBTQIA+ students in higher education has attracted increased attention in recent years. However, very little is known about the experiences of undergraduate and taught postgraduate LGBTQIA+ students in The Open University (or in distance learning contexts more generally).
This session will introduce an ongoing pan-university scholarship project at the OU, led by LGBTQIA+ scholars from all four faculties, and including two student interns. They will present how the project has used qualitative methods and participatory approaches – with a strong students-as-partners ethos – to investigate and improve the experience of LGBTQIA+ students at The Open University, ensuring that they are supported, safe, included and have an equitable student experience.
This will be a hybrid session, with the face-to-face element kindly hosted by The Open University in Scotland. There will be an opportunity for those in Edinburgh (and surrounding areas) to socialise in-person after the event.
Pride @ The OU – Open SU Trans Action Plan
Wednesday, 17 June
11am–12 noon
The event will explore Open SU's Trans Action Plan, highlighting how it sets out to improve trans inclusion across the OU. Core commitments of the plan include:
- Improving the consistent recording and use of students’ names and pronouns.
- Expanding staff training on trans inclusion and effective allyship.
- Publishing clearer guidance on support routes and safety for trans students.
- Equipping student leaders with resources to visibly champion trans inclusion.
Attendees will be encouraged to reflect on how they can support the plan’s implementation, and reinforce Open SU’s commitment to building a safer, more inclusive OU.
You can reserve a place at any of these events by completing the sign-up form below:
Pride @ the OU events – sign-up form
We hope to see you there!