A survey carried out over 30 institutions by University and College Union (UCU) on sexual orientation equality has revealed that University of Salford (Lancashire) is regarded as one of the most tolerable British educational centres towards sexual orientation, ahead of other universities such as Loughborough's or Castle College (Nottingham). Salford demonstrated good practice in around 50% of the key areas that underwent this study, for instance, compliance, developing supportive environment, training or prominence of equality within the institution.

Doctor Ken Grainger, Senior Assistant Secretary (Equality and Diversity) expressed his satisfaction to Pink Paper: “I’m pleased, because this is the second year we’ve been working on the Workplace Equality Index and we didn’t score so highly last year. But this year, even the most senior members of management have demonstrated leadership in this area. For example, Professor Martin Hall, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Salford, personally took part in this year’s Manchester Pride parade.

He added that Mr. Hall and the LGBT staff network congratulated each other for keeping up the good work, but he also gave encouragement to the entire staff network generally. “This news is evidence of all the hard we’re putting in”, Mr. Grainger concluded.

LGBT staff has benefited from the equality training scheme built by this university. But not only does this educational centre back their personnel up, but they also monitor LGBT networks among students through attitude surveys.

Voters in Houston, the fourth-largest city in the USA, elected an openly lesbian mayor on December 12 last week.

London's Prowler Soho, the UK's leading lifestyle store, has witnessed a huge surge in sales during the pre-Christmas period - despite the recession's continued grip on the high street.