Rainbow Office Hours, during February

We invite members of staff, especially LGBT+ members of staff, to volunteer to host Rainbow Office Hours. The purpose is to allow LGBT+ PhD students and staff to drop in for informal chats and peer support.

The topics of discussion during Rainbow Office Hours vary – some students may ask for advice about LGBT+ spaces and organisations in Edinburgh, some ask about University procedures and policies regarding name and gender changes, whilst others want to discuss their fears about coming out. Most, however, just want to talk to another LGBT+ person. 

This initiative is inspired by similar events elsewhere, in particular by our colleagues at the University of Glasgow. A helpful discussion of some of the ideals and conditions for these sorts of events is available here. If these hours are popular, we will establish them as a permanent fixture in PPLS.

If you wish to attend office hours, no need to let us know, simply turn up. However, we do ask that you double check here on the day of your visit, since the hours here will be kept up to date. 

The Rainbow Office Hours currently available are advertised below (in alphabetical order): 

Deanna Caplan, PGR Coordinator at PPLS. Available 11-12 on Thursday 8th, Thursday 15th, and Thursday 22nd, in DSB6.09. 
"Hi, I'm Deanna, and I'm one of the postgraduate administrators in PPLS - so, not an academic! I identify as a pan/demi cis woman, and my long-term girlfriend is trans. You are welcome to come and talk to me about any general concerns or questions about being LGBT+ in uni or in the workplace, uncommon identities or orientations, and I can also give some experiences about trans (mostly MtF) processes and options in the UK."


Christian Ilbury, Lecturer in Linguistics. Available 4-5pm on Tuesdays throughout February, in DSB2.04.
"Accepting your sexuality, coming out, being LGBTQ+ in academia, dealing with bullying and/or harassment."


Barry Maguire, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy. Available 4-5pm on Thursdays throughout February, in 13.06, 40GS
"Hi, I'm Barry. I'm a cis white male. I'm the Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at PPLS. I care a great deal about the importance of creating positive inclusive spaces for everyone, especially LGBT+ members of our community. I am available to listen to your concerns, and to share what I can about strategies within the university that aim to make our community more inclusive."