Dear Colleagues,

Please see the press release below which outlines a programme of activities
at Keele University on 17th May to mark the International Day against
Homophobia and Transphobia.

Also attached are copies of the poster and programme booklet for the event,
which you are very welcome to circulate or promote to colleagues or other
contacts.

If you or your colleagues/contacts would be interested in attending it would
be great to see you - please just contact my colleague Craig Morris
([log in to unmask]) so that we have an idea of numbers for the day.

Best wishes

Jenny

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Jenny Ratcliffe
Strategic Planning Manager
Human Resources, Organisational Development and Student Support
Keele University.



Tel: 01782 734403
E-mail:[log in to unmask]





PRESS RELEASE

Keele University celebrates International Day against Homophobia and
Transphobia

Keele University is marking the International Day against Homophobia and
Transphobia with a series of events exploring lesbian, gay, bisexual and
trans issues.

The day of events, taking place on campus from 10am on Tuesday, May 17,
includes film screenings, stalls, a student discussion forum and speakers
from a range of backgrounds.

PC John Wilson, Northern Public Protection Coordinator at Hanley Police
Station, will talk about tackling hate crime, while Keele academics
Professor Alex Sharpe and Dr Dana Rosenfeld will look at trans awareness and
insights from past generations of gay men and women. Chris Hall, Senior
Policy Adviser for the Equality Challenge Unit (ECU), will discuss "The
journey of LGBT equality in higher education: the work of the ECU in
advising and supporting the Higher Education sector".

The International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO)
commemorates the World Health Organisation's decision to remove
homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases. The aim of
the day is to coordinate international events to call for respect for
lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people worldwide.

Jenny Ratcliffe, Keele University's Equality and Diversity lead, said:
"Keele University strives to be a place where learning, living and working
is a positive experience for all. Our diverse base of staff and students -
whatever their gender or sexual orientation - all have the right to study,
work and live at Keele in an environment that is inclusive, respectful and
free from victimisation and hate crime.

"Keele University takes its responsibilities to its staff and students very
seriously and is committed to providing a positive experience for everyone."

The event is open to staff, students and the public, and visitors can attend
as many sessions as they wish. Sessions are free to attend but registration
is required. To book your place please contact Craig Morris on 01782 733407
or email [log in to unmask]

For further information about the event see the website
http://www.keele.ac.uk/hrss/equalitydiversity/idaho/

ENDS

For further media information please contact Hannah Hiles, Media &
Communications Officer, on 01782 733857 or [log in to unmask]