Sally is Borrower Services Librarian in the McClay Library, with additional responsibilities in Disability Liaison and International Support.

She is a Representative on the University's Staff Forum and co-chairs PRISM, Queen's LGBT+ staff network.

What do you do and where do you work?

I am the Borrower Services Librarian in the McClay Library, looking after the team which works on the Ground Floor during the day, evening and weekend. I am also the Library Disability Liaison Office and have responsibility for International Student Support.

I also represent Information Services on the University's Staff Forum and am also currently co-chair of PRISM.

I love to be challenged in my work!

Tell us a little about yourself – interests, hobbies, work/home life.

I live with my French partner and we have been together for 19 years. We have two grown up sons and have handled our empty nest with a wonderful Springer Spaniel who keeps us on our toes.

I am also a board member of HEReNI (the lesbian and bisexual women support organisation in Northern Ireland) and have been quite active in the Love Equality campaign.

I love walking our dog, cooking and watching rubbish on TV. I am also a keen environmentalist and make my own bees wax wraps!

What is the best thing about being LGBT at Queen's?

I love wearing my rainbow lanyard and PRISM pin badge. I am very proud of my lesbian identity and in the 25 years that I have been out, have worked hard to educate family, friends and colleagues on LGBT issues.

I have always found that if I am open and honest about my sexuality, I have been treated with respect and understanding wherever I have worked.

That Queen's are now supporting and funding the PRISM staff network is a huge step towards full normalisation and integration of LGBT staff and students in the University. Maybe soon I will no longer have to work so hard to be seen!

"It was really important to have a day to raise awareness about these issues, but then also a day to celebrate ourselves and the gay community throughout Queen's."

– Sally Bridge, Borrower Services Librarian & PRISM Joint Chair on #IDAHOTB.
@QUBEqualDiverse @QUBLGBTSN pic.twitter.com/KSvA3F2jE0

— Queen's Staff (@QUBstaff) May 16, 2019

What advice would you give to an LGBT person new at Queen's?

Be proud of who you are and bring your whole self to work.

It will make you a happier person and Queen's a better place. And if you are staff – definitely join PRISM. We are doing great things!

How to join the PRISM staff network 

If you would like to join the Staff LGBT+ Network, please email prism@qub.ac.uk, indicating in your email whether you would like to be invited to (a) forthcoming meetings of the Network and/or (b) events organised by the Network.

PRISM is keen to grow their membership and particularly encourages contact from any staff who identify as belonging to the LGBT+ community.

All emails will be treated in confidence.

Follow @QUBLGBTSN on Twitter for information on upcoming events and other activity.