Our Imperial LGBTQIA+ community

The Imperial 600 committee won the 2023 President’s Medal for Excellence in Culture and Community

Learn about all the networks and resources for LGBTQIA+ community members and allies at Imperial.

February is LGBTQIA+ History Month. At Imperial we have a number of networks and resources for staff and students who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Find out more about how you can get involved below.  

Staff and student networks  

Imperial 600 

Imperial 600 was set up in 2006 to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender staff. The group organises talks, social events, and joins in with the London Pride Parade. Imperial 600 events are a great opportunity to network with other members of staff from all job families and levels, as well as providing a confidential point of contact for staff to discuss any concerns.

Did you know? Imperial 600’s name reflects the estimation that around 10% of the UK’s population is LGBTQIA+ – in 2006 this meant 600 of Imperial's 6,000 staff. 

“Imperial 600 represents the LGBTQIA+ community at Imperial. We work with the College to write inclusive policy, and advocate for change across the College. We also have some great social events. - come and join us!” - Aneesha Bhumber, Imperial 600 co-chair 

Find out more on the Imperial 600 webpage 

IQ  

IQ is Imperial College Union’s LGBTQIA+ society. Run completely by student volunteers, they offer a friendly welcoming space for all students across the LGBTQIA+ community at Imperial, and have been for over 27 years. 

IQ runs community-building social events at least once a week, where you can meet other LGBTQIA+ people. They offer a wide range of events including: nights out to LGBTQIA+ venues, film screenings, arts and crafts evenings, thrift-shop crawls- there will always be something for everybody! In addition to social events, IQ also has a dedicated Welfare Officer who is always there if you need support, or just a quiet chat. 

Did you know? As well as general events, IQ has intersectional officers who run events for specific groups within the community: Trans+ people, Women and Nonbinary people, Bi/Pan people, Ace/Aro people, and QPOC (Queer People of Colour). 

"See IQ's Instagram (@iq.imperial) for all event details, and feel free to DM any questions!  You can also reach us by email: iq@imperial.ac.uk" - Devni Paramunugamage, IQ Chair/President/Captain 

Find out more on the IQ webpage 

Imperial College Business School LGBTQ+ and Allies Business Club 

The LGBTQ+ and Allies Business club provides a platform to connect LGBTQIA+ business students and Allies with leading companies looking to hire inclusively. The club also works to increase LGBTQ+ visibility at senior board level. 

Did you know? Imperial Business School runs an LGBTQ+ scholarship programme. Read Silvio’s story: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/business-school/blogs/scholarship-blog/securing-imperials-lgbtq-scholarship/ 

“Being part of the IB LGBTQ+ and Allies Business Club offers plenty of opportunities to business students. It provides a platform to network among peers, connect with employers committed to EDI issues and engage in meaningful discussions on LGBTQIA+ topics. We invite everyone to be part of our community, contributing to our common goal of promoting a more inclusive and diverse business world.” - Silvio Di Feo, Imperial College Business School LGBTQ+ and Allies Business Club 

Find out more on the Business School LGBTQ+ and Allies Business Club 

Support for LGBTQIA+ staff and students 

Imperial College Union (ICU) LGBTQ+ Network  

ICU’s LGBTQ+ Network is one of the Union’s nine liberation and community networks. The network aims to address systemic LGBTQIA+ issues at Imperial by working with other ICU Officers and staff members to lobby the College and enact change.  

Did you know? the Union has compiled a list of LGBTQIA+ media, including books, podcasts, films, and music, from members' suggestions? You can see the list here. 

“I am super passionate about all-things-LGBTQIA+. Having published an article in The BMJ highlighting LGBTQ+ healthcare workers’ experiences, I am motivated to continue working hard advocating for all LGBTQIA+ people.” - Avi Kaura, ICU LGBTQ+ Officer 

Find out more on the ICU LGBTQ+ Officer webpage 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Centre 

The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Centre offers guidance, resources, training courses and development programmes to all members of staff and managers, as well as working with the College and EDI Staff Networks. The Centre also plays an active role in raising awareness of EDI issues and equips people with guidance and resources to be active allies, including to our LGBTQIA+ community. 

Did you know? the Centre contributes to various charters, including the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, ensuring Imperial progresses on the commitments made to champion equality, diversity and inclusion.  

“If you have ideas on how we can make Imperial a better environment for our LGBTQIA+ staff, please email the EDI Centre. We want to ensure everyone feels respected, safe, and represented in our community.” - Kani Kamara, Head of the EDI Centre 

Find out more on the EDIC homepage