From Student to Professional: Navigating LGBTQ+ Identity in the Workplace

"Discovering yourself during university is a gateway to feeling comfortable in your sexuality and gender in your adult life,". Mia Eden from DAZN spoke to myGwork about the importance of self-discovery in university, and experiencing the shift from student life to a professional work environment.

Please introduce yourself, the name of your organisation and the university you attended.

My name is Mia Eden, my organisation is DAZN, and I attended Leeds Beckett University.

When in university, were you out to your university friends and/or your teachers? If yes, how important was that for you?

Yes, I was, never particularly to my teachers due to relevance of conversations, but I would be comfortable (for the most part) being out to most teachers. It is particularly crucial for me to be out to those I consider friends, as I feel like it is an integral part of my life and personality likewise. I don’t think I could 100% be myself if my friends didn’t know this about me.

Have you ever experienced discrimination from your fellow students and/or teachers?

Fortunately, no, not personally. However, I have heard experiences of homophobia from LGBTQ+ friends regarding some of their university friends involving offensive language.

Do you feel your university supported LGBTQ+ students?

Yes, I do. There were regular events, particularly including Pride Month, and an open LGBTQ+ society that was supported by the university.

Do you feel that your university prepares you for what is to come as a future professional and a member of the LGBTQ+ community?