LGBTQ+ History Month is a time to celebrate queer resilience and reflect on history. As part of that, we at KCLSU are focused on visibility and the ongoing work needed to create genuinely inclusive institutions. At KCLSU, the Fix Report + Support campaign highlights how improving university systems is a crucial part of building safer, more equitable environments for all students - and particularly LGBTQ+ students.
The Report + Support system allows staff and students to report harassment, discrimination, bullying, and sexual misconduct. However, reporting structures are only effective if they are transparent, accessible, and responsive to the diverse experiences of those who rely on them.
We know that LGBTQ+ students face distinct challenges when reporting harm, and that the harm is twice as likely to occur as opposed to non-LGBTQ+ peers (Just Like Us, 2021). The fallout in terms of mental health is significant - findings from the KCL Wellbeing Survey demonstrate that 64% of LGBTQ+ respondents were more likely to experience poor wellbeing. For Trans students within that sample, the figure rose to 73%.
When processes feel unclear or inconsistent, it can discourage students from coming forward, limiting both accountability and access to support. This is why, during this month, it is important to pay attention to the reform of systems that have not always served queer communities well.
The Fix Report + Support campaign pushes for better support when LGBTQ+ hate is reported. It also aims to ensure every faculty has clear processes for calling out transphobic and homophobic behaviour.
The campaign calls for:
- To win a review of 'Report + Support' at King's in a partnership between KCLSU, King's and students with lived experience of gender-based violence by the end of 2025/26.
- For King's College London to publish an Annual Report on 'Report + Support' to include anonymised data to better understand trends, informing prevention and response efforts, as well as building trust and transparency of the service for users and potential users.
- For King's to provide and promote community-specific resources for under-represented student communities (in particular for LGBTQ+ and Postgraduate students) in order to address barriers to accessing reporting and supporting systems.
We’ve already achieved a lot of progress within this campaign. You can find out more on our campaign page: Fix Report + Support
Strengthening reporting and support structures is about more than procedural change; it is about recognising that equality requires systems that work in practice, not just in principle. During LGBTQ+ History Month, focusing on institutional improvement reinforces the importance of safety, dignity, and meaningful inclusion.
If you need any support around these topics, please reach out to:
~ Fatima Hire, VP Welfare and Community