LGBTQ+ at HSG

This page provides an overview of contact points, networks and support services for LGBTQ+ students, staff and researchers at the University of St.Gallen (HSG). It is designed to help individuals connect, seek advice and contribute to a safe environment for everyone.

At HSG, we are committed to respectful coexistence. Discrimination, marginalisation or exclusion based on sexual orientation, gender identity or any other aspect of diversity are not tolerated. Our goal is to foster a university community where everyone can study, work and conduct research on equal terms, regardless of their identity or background.

DE&I is the central point of contact for all matters related to diversity and inclusion at HSG. We offer support for LGBTQ+ individuals, promote awareness initiatives, and work to foster a university culture that is free from discrimination and harassment.

If you have questions, need advice, or wish to share suggestions on LGBTQ+ topics, we’re here to help.

Student representation & university groups

A number of student groups and university initiatives at HSG are actively engaged with LGBTQ+ topics. They provide support, create spaces for dialogue, and offer networking opportunities for students and staff alike.

• Student Representation SHSG
  website: shsg.ch/en
  e-mail: studentenschaft@shsg.ch
• unigay
  website: unigay.ch
  e-mail: info@unigay.ch
• PrideMonth@HSG
  website: pridemonth.ch

Equality Committee

The Committee for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is committed to promoting equal opportunities and ensuring fair and respectful treatment for all at members of the HSG community. It addresses the concerns of students, faculty, and staff, supports relevant projects, and actively advocates for equality and inclusion across the University. 

To the website
Office of the committee: verena.witzig@unisg.ch
President of the committee: anastasia.kartasheva@unisg.ch

LGBTQ+ individuals have the right to full and equal participation in university life. To learn more about the relevant legislation, please refer to the section on our legal basis.

The University maintains a zero-tolerance policytoward discrimination. If you have experienced or witnessed LGBTQ+-hostile incidents, there are multiple confidential channels available for reporting and support.

Ombuds office
Reporting office for grievances

Confidential counselling by DE&I

Local LGBTQ+ organisations and advice centres

There are various organisations in the region that advise and support LGBTQ+ individuals. They offer psychosocial counselling or community services.

• Specialist centre for Aids and sexual issues (Aids-Hilfe St.Gallen-Appenzell): ahsga.ch/angebote-msm-fsf-lgbtiqa/
• ostschweiz.lgbt (Eastern Switzerland & Winterthur region): ostschweiz.lgbt
• Otherside (St.Gallen): otherside-lgbtq.ch
• St.Gallen Pride: stgallenpride.ch

Switzerland-wide organisations:

• Pink Cross (national umbrella organisation for gay and bisexual men* in Switzerland: pinkcross.ch
• Lesbian Organisation Switzerland LOS (National umbrella organisation for lesbians, bisexuals and queer women in Switzerland): los.ch
• Transgender Network Switzerland TGNS (Switzerland-wide organisation of and for trans people): tgns.ch
• Rainbow Families (umbrella organisation for rainbow families in Switzerland): regenbogenfamilien.ch

All these organisations offer help with the following topics:

• Coming out and self-discovery
• Rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in Switzerland
• Help with discrimination

If you would like to find out more about the living situation of LGBTQ+ individuals in Switzerland, take a look at the Swiss LGBTIQ+ Panel.

Here we briefly explain four important terms concerning the LGBTQ+ community.

• LGBTQ+: Stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, queer, inter*, asexual and other identities.
• Non-binary: A person who does not identify exclusively as male or female.
• Trans: A person can be described as trans if their gender identity is different from the one they were assigned at birth. If gender identity and sex assigned at birth are identical, the term cis can be used.
• Queer: Queer is often a description for people who do not identify as cis-heterosexual.

For further explanations of terms, you are welcome to consult the glossary of the Swiss LGBTIQ Panel.