As a Department, we are committed to ensuring that our staff and students who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer + (LGBTQ+) are supported and feel comfortable being as open as they wish to be during their time with us.
Our Department EDI Training policy includes the College LGBTQ+ awareness course as one of our recommended training courses for all staff. At both our White City and South Kensington campuses, gender neutral toilets are available, and many staff declare their preferred pronouns in their email signatures.
The College has a network, Imperial 600, for all LGBTQ+ staff, postgraduate students and their allies which holds events throughout the year and as part of LGBTQ+ History Month. Imperial 600 distributes rainbow lanyards for staff and students to visibly show their support for out LGBTQ+ staff and students. There are a number of resources available on the College website giving advice for all staff on how to be an LGBTQ+ ally, a bi ally and a trans ally.
Imperial College and the Department of Chemistry have a zero-tolerance approach to transphobia of any kind, as detailed in the College policy. As part of our Athena SWAN Gold action plan, we have committed to increasing our staff training in trans awareness.
The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) has developed a series of resources to enable positive change for LGBTQ+ scientists. Posters from this toolkit are on display in our building.