The University of Orleans is involved in many actions around LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and more) related issues throughout the university year. These actions aim at informing, training and raising awareness for members of the University community on LGBTQIA+ aspects.
The UO is also engaged in the fight against all forms of discrimination towards LGBTQIA+ people. As reminded in the 225-1 article of the penal code, “all distinction made between physical persons on a […] sexual, […] sexual orientation or gender identity basis […]” constitutes a discriminatory action. The penal sanctions for discriminations can rise up to 3 years of imprisonment and a 45,000 euros fine.
Informing, Raising Awareness and Preventing
Throughout the university year, the UO rolls out actions to fight against homophobia and transphobia. These actions also gather around 17 May, the international day dedicated to the fight against homophobia and transphobia. The equality agenda of the University consists of multiple events and actions including awareness-raising posters, information leaflets, conferences, screenings-debates, exhibitions, working groups, training courses, theatrical performances around the University campus.
For instance, you will find below the last poster campaign of the UO dealing with the fight against homophobia and transphobia:
Reporting Violence Towards LGBTQIA+ Persons
Beyond information, prevention and raising-awareness campaigns, the UO also fights against all forms of sexual and sexist violence. The latter include discriminations based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The UO’s Anti-Sexist and Sexual Violence Unit (CLVSS) receives and supports all reports of homophobic or transphobic actions from victims or witnesses.
Using the Preferred Name for Transgender Persons
The UO makes it easier to use the preferred name for transgender students and staff so that they can avoid administrative procedures and having to explain repeatedly the difference between their gender identity and the name written on their ID.
Any transgender person, as a member of the university community, can thus request their preferred name to be taken into account. To do so, they can contact the Equality Officer at: egalite-fh@univ-orleans.fr
The Equality Officer then acknowledges receipt of the email and suggests an appointment. The aim of the appointment is to take stock on the difficulties and needs of the person and to help them with the requested procedures.
Documents mainly concerned with the use of the preferred name are the following:
- Non-exhaustive list of documents able to mention the preferred name without previous change in personal records:
- Student card;
- Library card;
- For the elections: electoral lists, voters' lists and lists of candidates;
- Exam results displays;
- Registration lists, roll calls and attendance sheets;
- Student email address.
- Non-exhaustive list of documents unable to mention the preferred name without previous change in personal records:
- Degrees;
- Doctoral contracts and employment contracts;
- Individual transcripts of grades (except exam results displays);
- Academic success certificates;
- School certificates.
Members of the university community who wish to change their preferred name on their civil status can make a request on the official website. Once the name is changed on the civil status, the degree can be reissued on request.