UCL

UCL (formally University College London) is a university in Bloomsbury, central London. It was established in 1826 to open up education in England for the first time to students of any race, class or religion. UCL was also the first university to welcome female students on equal terms with men.

It was initially created as an independent university. In 1907 it lost its independence and became a college within the University of London. In 1976 it regained its independence, and in 2005 it gained the right to award its own degrees, and rebranded itself as just "UCL".

LGBT history
The University's foundation was partly inspired by Jeremy Bentham, philosopher and early advocate of the decriminalisation of homosexuality. His embalmed body, or "autoicon" is preserved at UCL.

Sir Stephen Wall, gay former diplomat, is Chair of Council, the university's governing body.

Notable alumni include:
 * Alan Hollinghurst
 * A E Housman
 * Stephen Spender

Present or former staff include:
 * J C Wells

A UCL LGBT alumni group is being formed.

The UCL website has a set of LGBT student support pages.