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Proud to BƎ!

The new EUI LGBTQIA+ Staff Network

About Us

The LGBTQIA+ Staff Network Proud to BƎ! provides an inclusive and safe environment for all lesbian, gay, bi, trans, non-binary, queer, intersex, asexual or questioning (LGBTQIA+) EUI members. Proud to BƎ! goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where everyone can freely express themselves.

Proud to BƎ! is open to all persons who identify as LGBTQIA+ who are working at the EUI. It also welcomes EUI members who wish to be allies of the LGBTQIA+ community, i.e. someone who supports LGBTQIA+ people and defends them against discrimination.

Our mission and activities

Proud to BƎ! Aims to enhance networking opportunities and raise awareness about LGBTQIA+ issues within the EUI community, with particular focus on the staff experience. It aims to build a network of visible role models and contacts across different levels of the organization.

The Network will provide a forum to:

  • Support LGBTQIA+ staff and any other EUI members who contact us
  • Organise social and networking events and initiatives for LGBTQIA+ EUI members and their friends
  • Provide a confidential space to share concerns and proposals
  • Engage with both EUI and local LGBTQIA+ groups to share resources and best practices
  • Raise awareness on issues regarding sexual orientation, gender identities, and gender expressions
  • Provide learning opportunities for allies of the LGBTQIA+ community
  • Advance proposals for reviewing existing policies and procedures or formulating new ones

The meaning of the name Proud to BƎ!

The name "Proud to BƎ!" holds multiple meanings that aim to reflect the diverse experiences lived by the LGBTQIA+ community. It conveys the sense of pride LGBTQIA+ individuals feel in being their true selves, while also referencing the historical significance of "Pride" within the community. The inverted E (Ǝ) is the existential quantifier, a mathematical symbol, and together with the exclamation mark means “exists and there is only one,” aiming to reflect the uniqueness of each of us.

The name "Proud to BƎ!" is left open to convey the evolving identities and expressions within the LGBTQIA+ community, looking forward to seeing what the future holds for the LGBTQIA+ community as it is and as it will become. 

 

Proud to be logo

Become a member

The Network is represented by a committee of volunteering members of staff.

Our Network is open to all EUI administrative and academic staff who identify as LGBTQIA+ or as allies. Associate membership is available for researchers, fellows, students, and partners of Network members. We warmly welcome individuals with multiple identities, especially those from marginalized and underrepresented groups.

To join, email us at [email protected]. You will receive a membership card! Please specify your status based on the categories listed above. Membership is free of charge.

 

Social events and Meetings

Our meetings are designed to be non-judgmental and safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals. There’s no need to explain why you’ve joined our mailing list or attended our meetings. We expect all interactions, including on social media and via email, to be respectful, especially when differing views are expressed. Discrimination or prejudice, such as transphobia, homophobia, racism, ableism, or sexism, will not be tolerated.

 

Network Organisers

Upcoming events

  • Find us at the State of the Staff!
    Meet fellow network members, share your ideas, and learn more about our plans.
    Date: 18/06/2024
    Location: State of the staff
  • Participation in Toscana Pride together with the official EUI delegation
    Date: 07/09/2024
    Location: Lucca

 

Contact and support

For more information about the LGBTQIA+ Staff Network or to get involved, please contact us: [email protected]

There is no tuition fee to become a member of the staff network.

Feel free to share your feedback and ideas on how we can better support our LGBTQIA+ community.

Proud to BE statement

Last update: June 2024

English (168 KB - pdf)

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Page last updated on 24/06/2024