In this post, Jonathan MacBride offers a review of creative events that he along with colleagues Jaime Prada and Katie Nicoll Baines organised during the LGBTQ+ History Month, these were supported by the Student-Staff Partnership fund. This post belongs to the Hot Topic series: Student Partnership Agreement 2023↗️.

The original article appeared here: https://www.teaching-matters-blog.ed.ac.uk/student-staff-partnership-fund-report/

Edinburgh University Students’ Association’s (EUSA) queer societies, including the LGBT+ Liberation Campaign, organised a variety of creative events in February for LGBTQ+ History Month. These were supported by The University of Edinburgh’s Staff Pride Network and attended by a wide range of students and staff, with funding from the Student-Staff Partnership Fund.

Photography Workshop (Fri 10 Feb): The Photography Workshop was led by Colin McGuire and Evie Siddal, who taught different techniques to capture intimate moments of queer joy while also discovering how to photograph queer bodies and give subjects the confidence to get the perfect shot! Themes included queer intimacy, gender dysphoria, body positivity, body neutrality, self-expression and sexuality.

Sculpture Workshop (Fri 17 Feb): This Sculpture Workshop was led by Ames Truscott, who guided different exercises to use one’s own queerness to create clay sculptures, learn about queer bodies and explore the creative process! Themes included gender dysphoria, body positivity, body neutrality, self-expression and sexuality.

Life Drawing Workshop (Fri 24 Feb): This Life Drawing Workshop was led by Ryn Wheatley and assisted by models Evie Siddal and August Dawn, who taught different techniques to draw queer bodies and explore one’s own creative process. Themes included queer intimacy, gender dysphoria, body positivity, body neutrality, self-expression and sexuality.

Celebrating Queer Joy Exhibition (Mon 27^th – Tues 28^th Feb): This exhibition was organised as part of the LGBTQ+ History Month programme by the LGBTQ+ Liberation Campaign and the Staff Pride Network. This collection showcased pieces from staff and students to amplify queer joy in all its forms. We reflected on matters such as friendship, family, intimacy and gender euphoria while also discovering queer local talent.

LGBT+ Liberation Officer Jaime Prada sourced workshop leaders, curated the exhibition, materials and found the venues. Staff Pride Network volunteers collaborated to source venues for the exhibition and found this particularly difficult for such a large scale event and limited suitable exhibition spaces.

Many people tried new methods including myself at the Sculpture Workshop. A snake and Stonehenge arch were two of my many uncomplicated creations, of which the arch stands proudly in my house. Its three bits of clay stuck together but I’m proud. There were incredibly detailed pieces created by those with much greater skills than I! The closing exhibition was inspirational and highlighted the diverse media used by LGBT+ creators, including glass, photography, digital art and clay compositions.

Jaime has moved on from the University but the legacy of this joint project and its funding live on in the pieces created by student and staff participants and their new-found skills. The experience led to Jaime and I collaborating on an LGBTQ+ youth art exhibition as part of Pride Edinburgh 2023, viewed by thousands of Pride-goers. The art exhibition for Pride Edinburgh 2024 will build on this success. The Staff Pride Network has increased experience in hosting a new type of event. Jaime now works as the EDI Manager at the British Museum.

JONATHAN MACBRIDE

Jonathan is passionate about the importance of EDI in every aspect of life. He is a squash competitor, qualified squash coach and referee. He has two decades of LGBTQ+ activism, Staff Pride Network Social & Events Officer and founding Co-Chair, World OutGames Squash Gold Medallist x 2. He is also the Pride Edinburgh Community Engagement Director, Edinburgh Curveballs Chair, Scottish Squash Diversity & Inclusion External Working Group member, husband to a husband. At The University of Edinburgh he serves as the Informatics Graduate School Administrative Assistant by supporting PGR students through their early research career.

The horrific events of October 2023 continue to unfold in scenes of catastrophic violence and loss of life
in Israel/Palestine. We recognise how the assault on and violation of Palestinian and Israeli life has
produced anguish, grief and fear amongst all affected communities, and acknowledge the historical and
ongoing causes. We are particularly alarmed by the current escalation of the state of Israel’s genocidal
campaign in Gaza, which has claimed over 10,569 lives of civilians as of 8 November 2023, including
4,324 children. About 2,350 others are reported missing in Gaza, including 1,300 children.

Rather than take a stand against the ongoing atrocities, the UK government is providing full political
support for it, which extends to eroding civil liberties and enabling repression within UK academia. This
includes the October 17 letter from Secretary of State for Education Gillian Keegan and Under Secretary
for Higher Education Robert Halfon to Vice-Chancellors that directly equates support for Palestinians
with support for Hamas, and Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Michelle
Donelan’s intervention insisting that members of the EDI advisory panel of UKRI whose social media
posts were critical of the state of Israel be sacked. UKRI subsequently suspended the whole panel, which
had just been named at the end of October.

We–networks, groups, and members of staff at the University of Edinburgh–wish to collectively express
our deep concern over these interventions, and the climate of increasing intimidation and escalating
restrictions on free speech within British higher education institutions on the topic of Israel/Palestine.
We are witnessing a growing atmosphere of fear and suspicion, which includes conflating criticism of the
state of Israel’s human rights violations with automatic support for Hamas, and reducing the space to
discuss history and context in relation to Israel/Palestine, particularly the Palestinian condition.

It goes without saying that antisemitism and anti-Palestinian racism should not be tolerated on campus,
and we stand against all forms of racism and discrimination. We also recognize that it is the speech and
action in support of Palestinians and critical of the state of Israel that is overwhelmingly and
institutionally targeted and treated as a potential security threat.

In this context, we note that the University of Edinburgh Principal’s statement on Israel-Gaza on 13
October 2023 linked to a UUK statement that threatened ‘any student or staff member found to be
supporting Hamas’ with treatment of the ‘utmost seriousness.’ This is particularly concerning because of
the vague and punitive way in which ‘support for Hamas’ is intentionally conflated in the recent letter
written by the UK Home Secretary to Police Chief Constables in England and Wales, which seeks to
criminalize symbols such as the ‘Palestinian flag’ and principled statements such as ‘Palestine will be
free’. The letter also states that police may subjectively decide whether such slogans ‘glorify terrorism’ or
can be ‘construe[d] as incitement or harassment.’ These developments are extremely troubling for staff
and students who teach and research on topics related to Israel/Palestine, especially those who are at
risk of having their visas revoked.

These are not idle fears. Over the past month, academics and students throughout the UK who have
spoken out in solidarity with besieged Palestinians in Gaza and against war crimes have been subject to
threatening responses online, in the news media, and in some cases confronted with disciplinary or even
legal action. Here at the University of Edinburgh, students have described incidents of intimidation,
surveillance and attempts at criminalizing speech and action for Palestine, including the carrying of the
Palestinian flag. Staff members have reported fears about carrying out teaching or research on Palestine
given the climate of repression and intimidation, or being advised by their managers not to mention
what is happening in Israel/Palestine over university email. An article targeting various University staff
has already appeared, and we fear that such an article misrepresenting staff’s research, teaching and
speech could be used as a basis for targeting and monitoring individual members of staff.

Aggressive measures taken by the Government, vague and one-sided statements such as the UUK
statement that was immediately (and uncritically) shared by our Principal, and reports of surveillance of
and harassment at student protests are all dangerous elements restricting academic freedom and
intensifying anti-Palestinian racism on campus.

We believe that now, more than ever, education and debate is required in order to cultivate shared
understandings about Israel/Palestine and forestall further catastrophic loss of life.

We call on the Principal and Senior Leadership Team to:

1. Reassure all staff and students in an official statement that speech about Israel/Palestine, including
criticizing the state of Israel’s violations of human rights and supporting the Palestinian people’s right
to self-determination – be it through teaching, events, demonstrations or communications – will not
be surveilled or securitized. We also call on the University to commit to protecting staff and students
who might be targeted for such speech. In particular, we ask the Principal to endorse the call of
Amnesty International that: ‘the UK must scrap the Prevent strategy in order to comply with its
international human rights obligations’.

2. Reassure staff and students that the right to education and academic freedom will be protected.
This should include suspension of the controversial IHRA definition of antisemitism and reversion to
the 2010 Equality Act as the framework through which to fight antisemitism and all forms of racism
and discrimination. In 2020, our University adopted the definition without consultation with staff or
student groups who would be affected by its severe restrictions of academic freedom and freedom of
speech–as recently reported by the British Middle East Studies Association (BRISMES) and the
European Legal Support Centre (ELSC). If the University considers the 2010 Equality Act insufficient to
tackle antisemitism, it must resume a process of considering alternative definitions that enable action
against antisemitism without drawing false equivalences between critique of Israel’s racist state
policies and antisemitism.

3. Acknowledge the University’s connections to violence in Israel/Palestine. The University has a
unique historical involvement with the root causes of violence in Israel/Palestine, and continues to be
involved in violence through financial investments as well as research links with weapons companies.
Our University should acknowledge publicly that Chancellor Arthur James Balfour signed the 1917
Declaration on Palestine, a monumental imperial act denying the Palestinian people the right to
self-determination in their own homeland. The University should also review, publicly disclose, and
divest from all investments in companies that directly or indirectly profit from the illegal military
occupation and colonization of Palestine, as well as research or other links with weapons companies
that provide arms to the state of Israel, directly or indirectly.

4. Institutionally support and allocate resources to decolonial and anti-racist organizing happening
right now between Palestinian, Jewish and various communities on campus, particularly initiatives
that challenge the root causes of injustice in Israel/Palestine and their reverberations in the UK. Jewish
and Palestinian staff, students, and allies at UoE have already begun this collective work. This requires
holding space for the expression of compassion, sorrow and solidarity. We ask that the University
meet with members of affected communities to discuss how to institutionally support and protect
these important efforts.

Signatories:

Centre for Ethics and Critical Thought (CRITIQUE), University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh Centre for International and Global Law, University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh Race Equality Network (EREN) Committee, University of Edinburgh
Jewish Staff Association Organising Committee, University of Edinburgh
Politics and International Relations Political Theory Research Group, University of Edinburgh
RACE.ED Steering Committee, University of Edinburgh
Staff BAME Network, University of Edinburgh
Staff of the Alwaleed Centre for the Study of Islam in the Contemporary World, University of Edinburgh
Staff Pride Network Committee, University of Edinburgh
The Centre for Security Research (CeSeR) Co-Directors, University of Edinburgh
The History Decolonisation Working Group Co-chairs, University of Edinburgh
UCU Edinburgh Branch Committee, University of Edinburgh
Womxn of Colour Collective, University of Edinburgh

Original statement

The Staff Pride Network is honored to have hosted an insightful event featuring TJ Billard, who provided an in-depth analysis of the role media plays in perpetuating harmful stereotypes and disinformation. TJ Billard is an Assistant Professor in the School of Communication at Northwestern University and Executive Director of the Center for Applied Transgender Studies in Chicago, USA.

The discussion kicked off with an exploration of how media outlets contribute to the spread of misinformation, especially concerning trans issues. The speaker then delved into the influence of capitalism on media narratives, highlighting how profit-driven motives can compromise the integrity of information disseminated to the public.

The talk also covered the legislative landscape affecting trans rights, both in the United States and globally. The speaker provided a comprehensive overview of state policies and their implications for the trans community, offering insights into the challenges faced in different cultural and social contexts.

One of the standout moments was the exploration of the Media System Dependency Theory, which shed light on how media shapes our perceptions and attitudes. The speaker also touched upon the importance of community and social networks in combating misinformation and fostering a more inclusive environment.

The event concluded with a lively Q&A session, where attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and engage in meaningful dialogue. The questions ranged from the role of media in shaping public opinion to the steps that can be taken to counteract the negative impact of misinformation.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in this event, making it a resounding success. We look forward to hosting more such events in the future to continue the important conversation around LGBTQ+ issues.

Bi+ Visibility Day, celebrated annually on September 23, serves as a cornerstone for acknowledging and honouring the diverse identities encompassed within the Bi+ umbrella*, which includes bisexual, biromantic, and other non-monosexual identities. It’s a day dedicated to fostering understanding, dispelling misconceptions, and encouraging discourse around bisexuality within and beyond LGBT+ spaces.

At the University of Edinburgh, the Staff Pride Network (SPN) has participated in Bi+ Visibility Day to underline the significance of this day. In 2020, SPN organized an online event where members, along with the Pridesoc student network, engaged in dialogues to delve into the diverse experiences of Bi+ individuals, with a particular focus on inclusivity for BAME/PoC Bi+ people and Bi+ people with disabilities​¹​​².

In 2021, a panel discussion co-hosted by SPN and PrideSoc delved into the evolution of Bi+ visibility through digital platforms, emphasizing the potential of online spaces in promoting Bi+ visibility and community engagement​³.

The engagement in Bi+ Visibility Day events not only provides a platform for discussions and learning but also reflects a step towards fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding within the academic environment. Through such events, the discourse on inclusivity, acceptance, and the challenges faced by the Bi+ community is propelled, aiding in crafting a more informed and supportive environment for all.

Below: SPN volunteers telling people about Bi+ Visibility Day and the intersectional inclusion work going on at UoE by the Staff Pride Network at Door Open Day Edinburgh at the Playfair Library. Thanks to Rachel, Regina, Julie, Michelle and Jonathan for hosting. #BiVisibilityDay #DoorsOpenDay

Ever been in a debate where your opponent twists your words, attacks this distorted version, and then claims victory? Welcome to the world of straw man arguments! Today, we’re going to explore how this tactic is used within the gender critical movement.

What’s a Straw Man Argument?

Imagine you’re in a boxing ring, but instead of fighting your real opponent, you’re swinging at a straw-filled dummy. You land punch after punch, and unsurprisingly, the straw man doesn’t fight back. Victory, right? Not quite. This is the essence of a straw man argument – a tactic where someone distorts, exaggerates, or oversimplifies an opponent’s position, attacks this misrepresented position, and then claims to have refuted the original argument.

Straw Man Arguments and the Gender Critical Movement

The gender critical movement, which often questions the concept of gender identity separate from biological sex, has been known to use straw man arguments. Let’s unpack some examples:

Straw Man:

Transgender and non-binary individuals want to erase biological women and men.

Reality Check:

Transgender women, trans men, and non-binary individuals are advocating for recognition and rights, not the erasure of cisgender individuals. They’re asking for a seat at the table, not to flip the table over.

Straw Man:

Transgender rights activists want to allow men into women’s bathrooms.

Reality Check:

The goal is to allow transgender and non-binary individuals to use the bathroom that aligns with their gender identity. This includes trans men and non-binary individuals using the bathrooms they feel most comfortable with. It’s about safety and dignity, not causing chaos in restrooms.

Straw Man:

Affirming a transgender or non-binary child’s identity is the same as medical transition.

Reality Check:

Affirming a child’s identity can simply mean using their chosen name and pronouns. Medical transition is a separate issue and isn’t pursued without careful consideration. It’s about letting kids express themselves, not pushing them into medical procedures.

Why Should We Care?

Straw man arguments can be misleading and harmful. They can perpetuate misconceptions, fuel division, and hinder productive conversation. In the context of the gender critical movement, they can contribute to misunderstanding and stigmatization of transgender and non-binary individuals.

Wrapping Up

Straw man arguments are like shadow boxing with distorted versions of our opponents’ views. Recognizing them is the first step towards more honest and productive conversations. So, the next time you’re in a debate and your opponent starts swinging at a straw man, call it out. Let’s ensure our discussions around gender and identity are based on understanding, not misrepresentation.

Want to Know More?

If you’re interested in diving deeper into this topic, we highly recommend watching the original video lecture that inspired this article. It provides an overview of arguments used by the gender critical movement. You can watch the video here.

Hello SPN members,

This week, we’re celebrating Non-Binary Awareness Week, an important event that shines a spotlight on individuals who identify as non-binary. Non-binary is a term that refers to people whose gender is not completely and exclusively male or female. They can identify with not having gender at all, with both binary genders, with a third identity, or an identity which can change over time. Non-binary people fall under the transgender umbrella term, and non-binary is an umbrella term itself, although some people use it to describe their specific gender identity too.

Non-Binary Awareness Week, observed from July 11th to 17th, is a time to raise visibility and recognition for non-binary people. It’s also an opportunity to educate others about the issues non-binary individuals face, such as discrimination and lack of societal recognition.

Non-binary people have always been a part of our communities, contributing to our societies in countless ways. They are our friends, family members, colleagues, and neighbours. Yet, they often face unique challenges due to societal norms and expectations around gender.

At the Staff Pride Network (SPN), we strive to create a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment for all our members, including those who identify as non-binary. We believe in the importance of intersectionality and inclusivity, recognizing and celebrating the diversity within our community.

As part of our initiatives, we encourage our non-binary members to update their personal information on People and Money to reflect their identity. When logged in to People & Money, select: Additional Personal Info, once on that page use the drop-down list to select protected characteristics and click the pencil icon to edit.

We also want to highlight some notable non-binary individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. You can learn more about them here.

As we celebrate Non-Binary Awareness Week, let’s take this opportunity to learn, grow, and support each other. Let’s continue to make SPN a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Happy Non-Binary Awareness Week!

Have you ever heard a phrase and felt like there was more to it than meets the eye? That’s the essence of a “dog whistle” – a term that’s been buzzing around a lot lately. But what exactly does it mean, and how does it relate to the gender critical movement? Let’s dive in!

What’s a Dog Whistle Anyway?

Imagine a whistle that only dogs can hear. Now, apply that concept to language. A dog whistle, in the realm of communication, is a coded message. It’s a phrase that seems ordinary but carries a hidden meaning for a specific group.

Dog Whistles and the Gender Critical Movement

The gender critical movement, which often questions the concept of gender identity separate from biological sex, has been known to use dog whistles. Let’s take a look at some examples:

Why Should We Care?

Dog whistles can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and contribute to a culture of exclusion. In the context of the gender critical movement, they can marginalize and stigmatize transgender individuals.

Wrapping Up

Dog whistles are like secret codes in our everyday language. They can subtly convey controversial ideas, making them a powerful tool in social and political discourse. Recognizing these hidden messages is the first step towards promoting inclusivity and combating discrimination. So, the next time you hear a phrase that seems loaded, take a moment to listen closely. You might just hear a dog whistle.

Want to Know More?

If you’re interested in diving deeper into this topic, we highly recommend watching the original video lecture that inspired this article. It provides a comprehensive overview of dog whistles used by the gender critical movement. You can watch the video here

.

While SPN still tries to keep a stock of lanyards for giving out to members at events card services has taken over widescale distribution:

Progress pride rainbow lanyards can be collected by staff at any IS Library Helpdesk including EdHelp Desks at Main Library and Kings Buildings.

Students or depts who want to bulk order these can arrange this via UniDesk:

Please email IS.Helpline@ed.ac.uk with FAO EdHelp – Card Services as the subject.

Hello SPN Members,

This June, we have a fantastic line-up of events to celebrate Pride Month. From discussions and seminars to performances and marches, there’s something for everyone. Here are the details:

1. Queer Neurodivergence and Synesthesia: Podcast Discussion with Maike Engage in an enlightening discussion with Maike, a queer neurodivergent psychologist and synesthesia artist. Topics include being queer and/or neurodivergent in Edinburgh/Scotland, accommodating queer and neurodivergent students/staff at universities and workplaces, synesthesia, and more. Interested? Contact Maike via email at synesthes_a@outlook.com.
2. Little France Pride March Join the LGBT+ Staff networks for NHS Lothian and the University of Edinburgh, along with the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity for the first Little France Pride March to celebrate the start of Pride Month. The march will begin at 13:30, with participants encouraged to bring flags, banners, and face paint. Additionally, stalls from various staff networks will be available from 13:00 to 15:00 at the Chancellor’s Building reception. Even if you’re unable to participate in the full 1-mile march, come along to learn more about the support available for LGBTQI+ staff and allies. Date & Time: Friday, 2nd June 2023, Stalls open from 13:00 to 15:00, March begins at 13:30 Location: Chancellor’s Building Reception, University of Edinburgh More information and tickets: Eventbrite Link
3. Sex Education Xplorers at Summerhall: 3rd June A brilliantly performed, funny, and inclusive show, “Sex Education Xplorers” explores the fluidity of sex and gender. The show is performed by the husband of an SPN member and starts its tour of Scotland at Summerhall at 2pm and 6.30pm on Saturday, 3rd of June. Find out more here.
4. Pride, Protest and Place series: Creative Writing and Protest. Multiple dates: 5th & 6th June 2pm, sign up here. This is a creative writing workshop that will incorporate historical material from the Lothian Gay and Lesbian Switchboard archive. Workshop Co-Ordinator, Eloise Birtwhistle, will talk you through a range of writing exercises and you will explore the themes of queer protest and resistance.
5. Finding Our Past: How We Collect, Describe, Access, and Use LGBTQ+ Archives Join us for an online symposium on 7th June 2023 from 10:00 to 13:30 BST. We’ll explore themes from our project, such as confidentiality and accessing sensitive material, and discuss how we collect, describe, access, and understand information about the history of LGBTQ+ lives. Project Archivist Louise Neilson will be joined by Hannah Elizabeth, Stefan Dickers, Nicola Maksymuik, and Elliot Holmes, along with Keith Paterson, a former member of the Lothian Gay and Lesbian Switchboard. For more information and to book your place, please visit: Eventbrite
6. “You are beautiful just the way you are” LGBT+ Inclusive Service: 8th June An inclusive service at the Chaplaincy from 2-3pm, focusing on self-love and acceptance. Get your tickets here.
7. Pride, Protest and Place series: Zine Making! Multiple dates: 12th & 13th June 3.30pm sign up here. This is a zine making workshop that will incorporate historical material from the Lothian Gay and Lesbian Switchboard archive. Workshop Co-Ordinator, Eloise Birtwhistle, will provide a short introduction in to what zines are and how they have been used in the past, and will guide you through how to get started on making your own!
8. “Abuse That Dare Not Speak Its Name” Seminar: 14th June Join us for a seminar talk and launch event discussing gay men’s experience of intimate partner violence at the Apex Hotel, Waterloo Place, from 5-6pm. Reserve your spot here.
9. Bespoke Tour of the Pleasance Sports Complex The Sports Union is organising a bespoke tour of the Pleasance Sports Complex during Pride Month. This initiative aims to improve the health and well-being of all University staff by acknowledging and addressing the historic lack of support for LGBTQ+ individuals in sports and physical exercise. Join us on Thursday, 15 June at 1:00 PM for a 30-45 minute tour of our sporting facilities. Renovations are currently going on in the facility but we can still access a number of spaces. The aim of the tour is to showcase what facilities we have as part of the membership options and what is available to staff, as well as making people more comfortable in accessing the space. We will also have rainbow lanyards and pronoun badges available. To secure your place on the tour, please RSVP to Neil at Neil.Rankin@ed.ac.uk by 2:00 PM on Wednesday 14 June. If you have any specific accessibility needs, please let Neil know in advance so that we can accommodate them accordingly. The tour meeting point will be outside the entrance to the sports facility at 46 Pleasance (What.3.Words: ledge.spicy.train) We look forward to seeing you on Thursday and celebrating Pride Month together!
10. SPN/EREN Book Club: 20th June Join us for our first in-person book club in collaboration with Edinburgh Race Equality Network (EREN) and SPN to celebrate Pride month. We’ll be discussing Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo, a story of a young Chinese American girl navigating her identity and sexuality in San Francisco’s Chinatown during the 1950s. The meeting will be held in central Edinburgh, with the exact location to be confirmed soon. Register here.
11. Wellbeing Walk and Bake Sale at Edinburgh BioQuarter As part of the Pride Month celebrations, Edinburgh BioQuarter is planning to host a wellbeing walk and bake sale on the 22nd of June. More specific details, such as the time of the event and the chosen charity, will be announced soon. If you’d like to contribute a cake for the sale, please get in touch with Dom Cairns-Gibson at Dom.cairns-gibson@ed.ac.uk.
12. Banner Making for Pride Edinburgh: 22nd June Join us at Potterrow Dome from 4-6pm to create banners for the Pride Edinburgh March. Book your spot here.
13. Edinburgh Pride March: 24th June We’ll meet at Levels cafe on Holyrood Road from 11.30am, then walk down to Holyrood Parliament for midday. Wear your SPN t-shirts and join us in the march. For the complete route, click here. We will have the big SPN banner (see photo above) so all can find us along the route or if you want to meet us at the end by Bristo Square there will be the SPN stand in the window of the Informatics building on the Charles Street side near the brass Rino’s head (on the wall). We’ll be collecting people from there if you want to go to the SPN chillout space.
14. The BioQuarter LGBTQ+ Staff Committee is holding a Bake Sale, 11-2pm on Thursday the 29th June in aid of LGBT Youth Scotland. If anyone would like to contribute a cake to the stall, then that would be hugely appreciated, and they can be dropped off in the Chancellors foyer any time after 10:30 am tomorrow. They will also be giving out free pride lanyards and pronoun badges (first come, first served).

In addition to these exciting events, don’t forget our recurring monthly socials:

1. SPN Evening Social: First Friday of the Month Join us for great conversation at The Royal Dick Bar in Newington every first Friday of the month at 17:30. Next date: July 7th, 2023.
2. SPN Kings Buildings Coffee & Cake: Third Wednesday of the Month Join us at Magnet Café, Edinburgh at 13:00 for free cake and enjoyable company. Next date: June 21st, 2023.
3. SPN Central Coffee & Cake: Last Wednesday of the Month Meet fellow SPN members at Bayes Café, Edinburgh at 13:00 for free cake and good chat. Next date: June 28th, 2023.
4. SPN Virtual Social: Last Wednesday of the Month Can’t make it in person? Join our virtual social at 13:00 BST to connect with friends and colleagues. Next date: June 28th, 2023.
5. Trans and Non-Binary Meetup: 4th Thursday of the Month A safe space for trans and non-binary staff and PGRs to meet, chat, relax, and discuss relevant issues. Held at The Auld Hoose, 5:30-7:30pm. Next date: June 22nd, 2023. RSVP here.

Please remember to keep checking our social media and email updates for any additional events that may be added. Let’s celebrate Pride together in the best way possible – by being our true selves!

SPN Comms & Media Team

Requests:

When putting together a Pride Month display, Moray House Library staff noticed a lack of children’s books with LGBTQ+ themes. Our Academic Support Librarians are now looking into purchasing titles to add to the collection. Please send us (at StaffPrideNetwork@ed.ac.uk) any recommendations for timeless LGBTQ+ children’s books that you think would make a great addition to our shelves – and feel free to drop by the library to check out our display which includes LGBTQ+ books on Education and Sport.

Media available for Advertising:

📣 Attention #LGBTQ+ community! A research study is being conducted to understand how minority stress and childhood experiences affect depression. If you’re over 18, fluent in English, and identify as LGBTQ+, your insights are needed.

🔗 Take the 10-minute survey before the end of June: https://edinburgh.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6xIkNUowfxdolhk?Q_CHL=qr

⚠️ Content warning: The survey includes questions about traumatic experiences.

📧 Questions? Email: s1530227@ed.ac.uk

This research is approved by the University of Edinburgh School of Health in Social Science Ethics Committee. #Research #MentalHealth #LGBTQResearch #PrideMonth

Banner & Placard Making Session Potterrow Dome 16:00-18:00

In another exciting collaboration, our Social and Events Officer Jonathan MacBride and Neil Rankin, the Sports Coordinator (Volunteering & Participation), have put together a comprehensive survey to encourage greater participation in sport and active health within the Staff Pride Network. The survey is now open and will be accepting responses until the end of May.

Please share your thoughts and experiences by completing the survey.

Additionally, to get a real feel of the facilities and resources we have on offer, Jonathan is planning to organise a tour of facilities in June. More details will be shared soon, but we encourage you to mark your calendars.

For additional resources on sport and exercise, check out these links:

• Sport & Exercise
• Firbush Outdoor Activity Center
• FASIC Sport & Exercise Medicine Clinic – Note: staff discounts are available on physio and rehab.
• Sports Union Clubs – Many of these have non-student memberships.

Thank you for your active participation and contribution in making the Staff Pride Network a vibrant community.