A new report from the Royal Historical Society finds concerning evidence of discrimination, marginalisation and prejudice towards LGBT+ historians at all levels from undergraduate students to senior practitioners.
The report’s authors emphasise the importance of including LGBT+ and queer historians, histories and perspectives in academic teaching and research, as well as in museums, galleries, archives and libraries.
Key findings include:
- 1 in 4 LGBT+ staff have witnessed homophobic, transphobic or biphobic behaviour, attitudes or decisions between staff
- 1 in 3 LGBT+ undergraduate historians have witnessed homophobic, transphobic or biphobic behaviour and/or attitudes between students.
- 1 in 5 LGBT+ historians were hesitant or uncomfortable, or did not feel able to disclose their LGBT+ identity to colleagues and students.
- 1 in 3 LGBT+ staff in History felt unsure, or did not think that they would be supported in challenging reluctance about, or hostility to, the teaching of LGBT+ histories in their department/classroom.
- Within university settings, knowledge of equalities legislation and institutional policies to support diversity and inclusion is poor, even among senior staff.
In addition to reporting on experiences of teaching, learning and working in History, the report and its accompanying data and resources are intended to foster non-LGBT+ allyship and good practice.
Read the full report here
