Brighton Named UK’s Most LGBTQ+ Friendly University

Brighton has been ranked the most LGBTQ+ friendly university in the UK, scoring an outstanding 8.7 out of 10 in a new national survey – the highest rating of any institution in the country.

The research, conducted by Erobella, asked 2,000 students aged 18–24 across 79 universities how LGBTQ+ friendly they felt their university was.

The national average was 6.7, with Brighton the only university scoring above 8, highlighting its strong reputation for inclusivity.

University leaders say the result reflects both the city’s well-known LGBTQ+ culture and ongoing work on campus to support students and staff.

Julie Fryatt, Chief People Officer and LGBTQ+ Equity Champion at the University of Brighton, said the recognition shows “LGBTQ+ equity isn’t just a policy – it’s a lived experience,” adding that the aim is to ensure every member of the community feels “safe, respected and empowered”.

The university has previously earned a Stonewall Gold Award and placed 14th in Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers, with initiatives including LGBTQ+ and trans awareness training, staff-led equity networks, inclusive language guidance and the Centre for Transforming Sexuality and Gender.

Student-led support is also strong, with mentoring programmes and an active LGBTQ+ Students’ Union society helping to create dedicated spaces and visible role models.

Second-year student and Students’ Union Communities Officer Rosie Birch said Brighton is “a place where you can show up exactly as you are and be loved for it”.

Staff network co-chair Frank Thornton added that Brighton “gave me the freedom to become myself – first as a student and now as a member of staff”.

The recognition comes as the university continues wider equality work, including achieving the Race Equality Charter Silver Award earlier this year – one of only six UK universities to hold the honour.

Its #NeverOK pledge reinforces a zero-tolerance approach to harassment and discrimination, with dedicated confidential reporting routes for students and staff.

The findings are based on student responses collected in October 2025 by Erobella in partnership with Pollfish.