Coming out

Coming out can mean different things to different people, and will depend how visible or invisible your difference is. It's a process that doesn't happen just once, but continues throughout your life. How much you feel like explaining about your gender and/or sexuality is a very individual thing and may change in different circumstances.

There's no requirement for you to discuss your sexuality or gender with anyone, nor should you feel the need to deny or hide who you are. The University of Derby is proud of its diversity and we believe we're better for having students and staff from different backgrounds, beliefs, cultures and who have diverse gender identity and sexuality. We're keen to support you through the transition of coming to university, exploring your sexuality and gender and coming out when and if the time is right for you.

It may be helpful to join the Union of Students' LGBTQ+ Society first, so that you know you have some sympathetic peers before coming out to others.

We do not tolerate any form of homophobic or transphobic bullying or harassment and if you encounter this you should report it to a member of staff or the Union of Students right away.