“I have always felt like I could bring my whole self to work”
UOM life 24 August 2019
As Manchester Pride gets underway, we want to take a moment to recognise and show our support for our LGBTIQ+ friends and colleagues across the Faculty’s Departments and Research Institutes.
This year, The University of Manchester was named the most LGBT-inclusive university in England. The Stonewall Workplace Equality Index is run by the Charity Stonewall, and each year employees are asked to fill out a questionnaire detailing their work experience and the support they receive from their employer. The University is once again within the top 20 UK employers recognised for its work achieving acceptance without exception for all LGBT people.
But while we’re undoubtedly proud of this achievement, we want to hear from our LGBTIQ+ colleagues across FSE and learn about their real and unique experiences working here.
So without further ado, let’s hand over to four of our colleagues who volunteered to share their experiences.
Dr Charlie Wand – Research Associate in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science
“I joined the Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science at the start of last year as a postdoctoral researcher. Since joining The University of Manchester, I have felt supported and able to be open about my sexuality and gender identity as a Bisexual Trans man. Not having to hide a part of myself means that not only am I happier, but my work is also better as I don’t have to waste energy watching what I say or worrying about whether people know.”
Dr Maddison Coke – Experimental Officer at the National Graphene Institute
“As every person in the LBGT community will tell you, coming out doesn’t happen just once – you have to do it for the rest of your life. I think starting UoM as an experimental officer three years ago was my ‘Coming Out, Part 2’. It was the second environment I had been in after coming out to those around me back during my PhD. But from day one, I have always felt like I could bring my whole self to work. I can be quite quiet and it takes some time to get to know me, but I have never felt like I couldn’t talk about my partner, or bring up my relationship. I have enjoyed working in an environment where not only can I be part of cutting edge science working with graphene, but also do so in a positive environment. I am proud to be part of a wonderful team that helps run the NGI cleanroom with a great bunch of diverse, accepting people – so much so, half of them will be attending my wedding to my partner later this month!”
Charlotte Hooson-Sykes of the Department of Physics and Astronomy
“I started working at the University in 2001, coming from the commercial sector and an area in particular that was very rigid in its views. Working here was eye opening, and it gave me the opportunity to be far more open about myself, and far less closeted as a bisexual woman. And that openness has opened other doors both in the University, and outside. I collaborate on projects with others in the LGBTIQ+ community, and get to walk in the parade with my peers and colleagues. I’m very proud to be part of the Department, Faculty and of the University.”
Dr Craig Johnson – Safety Officer for the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
“I started at the University in 2001 as an undergraduate in biological sciences and now, 18 years later, I’m a Safety Advisor in the School of Engineering. It’s been quite a journey and not only has my sexuality not been an issue, it’s been celebrated. So I’m very, very proud to say that I have both studied and worked in this fantastic institution!”
We’d like to thank Charlie, Maddison, Charlotte and Craig for sharing their stories. And to all our colleagues heading to Pride this weekend, we hope you have a great time. Don’t forget to cheer when you see The University of Manchester float!
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Words – Hayley Cox
Images – Karendesuyo, The University of Manchester
