Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) students and staff
The University of Canterbury (UC) aims to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment, and recognises that belonging is important for everyone. UC supports LGBTQIA+ students and staff with assistance on and off campus, and celebrates sexual and gender diversity on campus.
![By Ludovic Bertron from New York City, Usa [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/support/get-support/lgbtqi/Rainbow_flag_and_blue_skies.jpg)
Get connected and stay informed
You can tap into UC’s Rainbow network and receive relevant info and event invites throughout the year by making contact with UC's Rainbow Advisor:
Keep up to date with rainbow events and info
Use of preferred names
If you would like your preferred name to appear on your Student ID card, this change can be requested via UC Security. You can either have your preferred name appear in place of your legal name, or put alongside your legal name in brackets—it is entirely up to you.
To make this request, please contact Ken McEwan.
"Anyone starting university can feel alone and if you're queer it's doubly so. It's important to find your community and at UC that exists in so many different places. To be in a place where your work and your identity are validated is so exciting. If you reach out, you'll be welcomed."
–Sean Lydiard, UC Me. Read more here