LGBTIQ+
The University of Lucerne is committed to an inclusive and respectful environment for work and study — one that embraces the sexual and gender diversity of all its members. It actively takes measures to support equality for LGBTIQ+ people. LGBTIQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer or questioning. The + acknowledges that this list is not exhaustive, and that a wider range of sexual and romantic orientations and gender identities exists beyond it.
Advice and support
The Office of Equal Opportunity at the University of Lucerne offers support and guidance to LGBTIQ+ students and staff, as well as to anyone in the university community and committees with questions relating to LGBTIQ+ issues.
Contact: Fleur Weibel, Co-Head of the Office of Equal Opportunity, fleur.weibel@unilu.ch
Since 1 January 2022, trans and intersex people in Switzerland have been able to update their gender and first name in the civil register quickly and without bureaucratic hurdles, simply by submitting a declaration to the civil registry office.
At the University of Lucerne, students can also update their first name and formal address in the student database with ease — even without an officially changed name or gender entry. Formal address is currently limited to the options 'Mr' and 'Ms'.
To request a change of first name and/or formal address (including gender entry), students should submit a written request to the Student Services office. Further details on the procedure and applicable conditions can be found in the University of Lucerne's guidelines on changing first names and/or formal addresses, which are currently being revised and will be available shortly.
Students and staff with questions, or who would like advice and support during a transition or gender reassignment process, are welcome to contact the Office of Equal Opportunity.
The University of Lucerne has installed three all-gender toilets to ensure that anyone who prefers gender-neutral facilities can use them freely, without discrimination or barriers.
These toilets are open to everyone, regardless of gender expression or gender identity.
Where are the all-gender toilets?
There is one all-gender toilet on each of the 3rd and 4th floors; exact locations are marked on the building map. A further all-gender toilet is located on the ground floor, accessible with a Eurokey.
Why do all-gender toilets matter?
All-gender toilets address the needs of trans, intersex and non-binary people, for whom facilities marked 'women only' or 'men only' can be a source of discrimination and exclusion. By being open to all regardless of gender identity, they reduce the potential for such experiences and create a safer, more welcoming space.
They also benefit many others - for example, parents with children of different genders, or people who rely on a carer of a different gender.
Since 1 July 2022, lesbian and gay employees at the University of Lucerne have been entitled to the same parental leave as heterosexual employees, provided they have a child or adopt a child while married or in a civil partnership.
Maternity and paternity leave for university staff is regulated by the Ordinance to the Personnel Act of the Canton of Lucerne. The provisions on paternity leave also apply to the same-sex partner of the biological mother, or the same-sex partner of the biological father, provided that they are married to or living in a marriage-like partnership with the biological parent at the time of the child's birth.
Paid paternity leave amounts to 10 days, which must be taken within six months of the birth, either consecutively or one day at a time. In addition, there is an entitlement to four weeks of unpaid paternity leave during the child's first year of life. In cases of adoption, the paternity leave provisions apply to both parents.
Further information on work-life balance can be found in the University of Lucerne's “University and Family” brochure. Please note that as this was published in November 2021, it does not yet reflect the provisions introduced in July 2022.
Queer Unity is an association for all LGBTIQ+ students and Staff Members at the University of Lucerne. Information about Queer Unity’s events can be found on the association’s Instagram page: www.instagram.com/queerunityluzern
Executive Committee: Julia (she/her, Chair), Fiona (they/she, Finance), Elu (she/any, Communications)
Contact: queerunitylu@gmail.com
LGBTIQ Helpline
The LGBTIQ Helpline is is the first point of contact for anyone with questions or concerns related to life as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex or queer person. It operates as a peer-to-peer counselling service and also serves as a reporting centre for LGBTIQ-hostile violence. Its services are open to everyone - regardless of their own sexual orientation or gender identity.
Swiss LGBTIQ+ Panel
The LGBTIQ+ Panelcollects and publishes annual data on the living conditions of LGBTIQ+ people in Switzerland. The site also includes a glossary of the most commonly used terms relating to gender and sexual diversity.
The Swiss umbrella organisations for LGBTIQ people
- Lesbian Organisation Switzerland (LOS) – the national umbrella organisation for lesbian, bisexual and queer women in Switzerland.
- Pink Cross – the national umbrella organisation for gay and bisexual men in Switzerland.
- TGNS – the Transgender Network Switzerland, run by and for trans people.
- InterAction – the national association for intersex people or people with a congenital variation in sex characteristics.
