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… Continue Reading A Collective Statement Calling on the University of Edinburgh to Protect Speech on Palestine, Address the Intimidation on Campus, and Cut University Links to Violence

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… Continue Reading Highlighting Bi+ Visibility: A Glimpse into the Spectrum at the University of Edinburgh

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… Continue Reading Celebrating 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… Continue Reading Decoding the Hidden Messages: A Look at Dog Whistles in the Gender Critical Movement

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. To see  all card help desks where lanyards… Continue Reading Where to get a rainbow/progress pride lanyard?

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: Queer Neurodivergence and Synesthesia: Podcast Discussion with Maike Engage in an enlightening discussion with Maike, a queer neurodivergent psychologist and synesthesia artist. Topics… Continue Reading Celebrating Pride: Exciting June Events

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.… Continue Reading Join the SPN/Sports Union Sport & Physical Activity Survey and Facility Tour

Another exciting event is coming up very soon – on Friday, 2nd June. Children’s Services, in collaboration with the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity and other support organisations, are working towards achieving the LGBT Charter Status. In celebration of Pride Month, and in conjunction with the LGBT+ Staff Network and the team at RIE, they are… Continue Reading Little France Pride March

We have some exciting news for you. Microsoft has recently introduced a new feature in Office 365, which allows users to set their pronouns in their contact card. This new addition is a great way to promote inclusivity and respect for gender identities in our digital workspace, especially considering the diverse mix of staff and… Continue Reading New Feature Alert: Set Your Pronouns in Office 365 Contact Card

Rev Dr Urzula Glienecke (she/her)  (written 12th April 2023)    Just yesterday somewhere in the depths of the social media I saw a conversation between a mother and her trans son. It went something like this:    – Happy belated Trans Visibility Day!  – Yeah mom, it was last week  – 👀  – Mom, that’s not how… Continue Reading I See You: A Reflection on Trans Visibility Day