We work with our partners across the UK and around the world to create opportunities for our students and staff to thrive, and for organisations to benefit from our people, research and leading-edge facilities. The university is committed to developing partnerships that align with our core values of being inclusive, impactful and collaborative, and as such are very proud of our partnerships which have a focus on the local LGBT+ communities.
Medway Pride
Working with our partners University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University we are proud to have sponsored Medway Pride in 2022 and 2023.
Medway Pride 2023 was their biggest and best yet, with over 4500 attendees throughout their daytime event at Rochester Castle. The festival event included a market place, creative workshops, LGBTQIA+ history and community flags display and stage-based performances, including former X-Factor Winner, Sam Bailey.
Through this partnership we are able to combine the university community with the local community of Medway, to work collaboratively in the mission to create a society free from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Charlton Invicta
Charlton Invicta are an LGBTQ+ Football Team affiliated to Charlton Athletic FC and Community Trust. They are the first LGBTQ+ Team in the UK to formally affiliate to a Professional Football Club and Trust.
The partnership provides a number of benefits for both the university and the club through a collaboration of educational initiatives. One of the leading initiatives is the annual Football v Homophobia awareness raising campaign and programme of events. The programme exists to challenge discrimination based on sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression, at all levels of football. We firmly believe that football is for everyone, and are proud to be supporting this initiative. Through this partnership the University has also supplied the team with a venue to play their fixtures.
When discussing the partnership with Charlton Invicta, Dr Michael Seeraj, Head of EDI, Charlton Athletic Football Club and Community Trust said:
‘The partnership with the Çï¿ûÊÓƵ has proved invaluable. The UoG support has helped us to increase awareness and understanding about the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, as well as providing a safe and welcoming environment, and inclusive culture.’
The collaborative approach to the Football v Homophobia campaign resulted in the series of events being shortlisted for a HEIST award, which recognises excellence and innovation in education marketing.
Gary Ginnaw, Chair of Charlton Invicta FC said:
“We are absolutely delighted to announce our partnership with the Çï¿ûÊÓƵ. The UoG have long been huge supporters of Charlton Invicta FC and the work we do on and off the pitch to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion.’
The partnership also helps to provide Charlton Invicta with an opportunity to promote themselves to the university’s community as an inclusive team and environment in which to play football.