University LGBT Networks

With a bit of fanfare, Salford University has launched a new staff LGBT network, which they hope to develop into a regional group. Anecdotally, there does seem a bit of a drive to rejuvenate or set up these groups in UK universities at the moment. The group at Sunderland had a bit of a re-launch earlier in the year with a new research seminar series. I spoke at the first event about my male sex work research and I'll have to make sure I post details of the next two seminars. At a time of increasing pressure on research in UK universities the establishment/rejuvenation of these groups tells us that there are a growing number of academics determined to find a place and build inter-disciplinary networks for their research. Similarly, these groups also highlight the need that academics feel exists, for a conduit through which they can build contacts and alliances within and beyond HE institutions. I'm cheered by these developments for they suggest a determination amongst academics that LGBT research will continue to carve out a role in UK universities and society as a whole.

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