LGBT+ Staff Network

About the Network

The Network was set-up following a staff consultation in 2020 and was formally launched in February 2021.

We welcome staff and PhD researchers who identity as LGBT+ and those who are allies.

The Network is a vehicle to promote and enhance equality and inclusion across all genders and sexualities at the University.

In common with the University’s other Diversity Networks, the LGBT+ Network provides an opportunity to raise awareness and celebrate diversity through social events; to contribute to policy development and implementation; and to help ensure that the interests of those whom the Network represents, continues to form a part of the University’s wider equality, diversity and inclusion agenda.

As the Civic University, the Network also acknowledges its responsibility in providing leadership to challenge homophobic and transphobic attitudes and practices far beyond the University.

LGBT+ Network Research Conference

Friday 11 December 2026 - Ulster University Belfast campus

Join Ulster University's LGBT+ Staff Network and Doctoral College on Friday 11 December 2026 at Ulster University's Belfast campus for a conference showcasing LGBTQ+ research from across the island of Ireland.

The conference brings together PhD researchers, Early Career Researchers, University colleagues and representatives from the local LGBTQ+ sector to share research, exchange ideas and build connections.

Call for Abstracts

Submission deadline: Friday 27 November 2026, 5pm.

This year's call for abstracts is open to researchers from Ulster University, Queen's University Belfast and other institutions across the island of Ireland.

Abstract Submissions

We welcome research exploring sexual orientation, gender identity, LGBTQ+ lives, culture, society and history, as well as research employing queer perspectives or methodologies.

Researchers can submit abstracts for:

Oral presentations: 15-minute presentations, followed by 2–3 minutes for questions.
Poster presentations: An opportunity to showcase research and engage with conference attendees.

Abstracts should be no more than 400 words, fit on one A4 page and be limited to one submission per person. Submissions will be subject to peer review.

Early Career Researchers must have passed their viva within the last five years and have no more than four years' postdoctoral research experience.

Submission deadline: Friday 27 November 2026, 5pm.

For further information, contact LGBTnetwork@ulster.ac.uk.

View Event information

Gallery

Resources

Pronouns Guide

Podcasts

Research

McCollum, V and Gaffney, K. Screen Production Research: (Queer) Short Filmmaking as a Mode of Enquiry. Short Film Studies. 11:2 (PP.239-248), 2021.
“Shilling Pennywise: Chump Change in Trump’s (Trans) America” by Theresa L. Geller, in Make America Hate Again: Trump Era Horror and the Politics of Fear (ed. McCollum, V.) Routledge, 2019.
“An End to Monstrosity: Horror, Queer Representation, and the Trump Regime” by Marshall Moore, in Make America Hate Again: Trump Era Horror and the Politics of Fear (ed. McCollum, V.) Routledge, 2019.
“Trauma, Repression and The Babadook: Sexual Identity in the Trump Era” by Fran Pheasant-Kelly, in Make America Hate Again: Trump Era Horror and the Politics of Fear (ed. McCollum, V.) Routledge, 2019.
“Queer Fantasies, Queer Echoes: The Post-Closet World of HBO’s ‘Looking’” by Nicholas Manganas, in HBO’s Original Voices: Race, Gender, Sex, Class and Power (ed. McCollum, V.) Rowman & Littlefield, 2017.
Carr, N, McAlister, S & Neill, G 2014, Queering the Family: Attitudes towards Lesbian and Gay Relationships and Families in Northern Ireland. 89 edn, Access Research Knowledge, Belfast.
Carr, N, Devine, P, McAlister, S & Neill, G 2015, Public Attitudes Towards LGB Equality. 106 edn, Access Research Knowledge, Belfast.
Neill, G & McAlister, S 2019, The Missing T: Baselining Attitudes towards Transgender People in Northern Ireland. vol. 128, Access Research Knowledge, Belfast.