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… Continue Reading Decoding the Misrepresentations: A Look at Straw Man Arguments in the Gender Critical Movement

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 line with our commitment to social and environmental justice, we would like to share some events being run by the Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability (SRS). These sessions aim to inform staff, students, and alumni about the University’s carbon sequestration plans: offsetting our carbon emissions by creating woodlands and restoring peatland here in… Continue Reading University’s Carbon Sequestration Plans – Climate Action Events

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

Academics have recently received an email from the Provost with regards to the setting up of a new Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression Working Group. Our colleague, Lauren Hall-Lew, sent the letter below in response to the announcement. It is an excellent, and necessary, response – and reflects what, we think, should be the… Continue Reading Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression Working Group

The University of Edinburgh has always been committed to promoting diversity and inclusion. Back in 2018, a special photo shoot led by Gina Gwenffrewi was organised to create a collection of images representing the LGBTQ+ community within our university, including trans and non-binary individuals. These images deserve greater publicity and can be viewed at the… Continue Reading Celebrating Diversity: Showcasing the LGBTQ+ Photo Bank at the University of Edinburgh

  The University of Edinburgh Staff Pride Network have had a long-standing relationship with Waverley Care, Scotland’s HIV and Hepatitis C charity. Cathy and Katie (members of the SPN committee) attended an event for supporters in October to learn more about the work of the charity to support those living with HIV in Scotland. We… Continue Reading World AIDS Day 2022: Why We’re Wearing Red and Fundraising for Waverley Care

Dear University of Edinburgh Staff Pride Network, I am contacting you to say thank you for everything you have done over the past year to celebrate, support and promote the LGBTQ+ community. As was stated during the awards ceremony, 2022 was probably the toughest year to select finalists and winners with over 1000 nominations being… Continue Reading A sincere thank you from Proud Scotland Awards 2022

We would like to share this wonderful diversity tip regarding an inclusive language setting in Outlook. The setting in Outlook means you can enable checks for inclusive language when spell check runs for your emails. Here is how to enable it: In a new email, go to ‘Review’, then select ‘Spelling & Grammar’ (you might… Continue Reading Inclusive language setting in Outlook

Dear Network Members,  You may have become aware of a letter by a collective of academics operating under the name ‘Sex Matters’ written to the Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission demanding a “Reindorf Review” for the higher education sector. While we are once again loath to draw attention to these beliefs, we also recognise that silence does not… Continue Reading In response to ‘Sex Matters’ letter