The results of TEK’s Student Survey 2025 show that students who belong to gender and sexual minorities are actively involved in guild activities. They more often hold board positions or other roles of responsibility compared to other students, and being completely outside of activities is less common in this group. This suggests that LGBTQIA+ students are not only participating in activities, but often also shaping them.
The overall picture of the guild community is also largely positive among LGBTQIA+ students. Most feel accepted, can be themselves, and consider the atmosphere of their guild to be good. Although the differences compared to other respondents are relatively small, LGBTQIA+ students evaluate their community somewhat more cautiously across the board. This may indicate that alongside positive experiences, there is also uncertainty about how well the community is truly safe and open for everyone.
This cautiousness is particularly visible in assessments of how equality is realised. LGBTQIA+ students are more critical than others, for example, regarding how well accessibility is considered, how easily non-Finnish-speaking students can participate, and whether there is space for more introverted or quieter students to be involved.
The most serious finding relates to harassment and discrimination. Among LGBTQIA+ students, 15% report having experienced harassment or discrimination, which is approximately three times higher than among other respondents. In addition, many report having witnessed such treatment around them. These experiences are most often related to inappropriate comments and jokes, belittling, as well as unwanted sexual attention or advances. The differences compared to other respondents are clear in these experiences. This highlights that a safe study environment is not yet reality for everyone.
The results also include positive aspects. For example, the majority of LGBTQIA+ students know whom to contact in cases of harassment. Support structures are already in place, although there is still room for improvement in their visibility.