Marking LGBT+ History Month this February
February marks LGBT+ History Month, an opportunity to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community’s culture and achievements, while reflecting on the struggles and activism that has brought us to this point.
It’s celebrated in the UK every February, to mark the month in which Section 28, a law that prevented the ‘promotion’ of homosexuality, was abolished in 2003. It's a chance to reflect on the progress made, the challenges still faced and the importance of collective action in advancing LGBT+ rights.
This year’s LGBT+ History Month theme is ‘Science and Innovation’
While reflecting on the past, this year’s theme, ‘Science and Innovation’, shines a spotlight on how data, evidence and research supports the drive for progress and real, impactful change in both policies and practices for LGBTQ+ people in all walks of life.
LGBT+ History Month at LJMU
This February, colleagues across the university are hosting a range of events to mark LGBT+ History Month, providing opportunities for community celebration and reflection and highlighting the diversity of work being undertaken with and in support of the LGBTQ+ community here at LJMU, the Liverpool City Region and further afield.
Student and staff events
LGBTQ+ History Month Archive Workshops
Wednesday 25 February, 10:30 to12pm or 2pm to 3.30pm, LJMU Special Collections & Archives, Mount Pleasant Campus Library
A hands-on exploration of LGBTQ+ archive material and rare publications in a guided session for LGBT History Month, including new material from April Ashley's papers - one of Britain's most historically and legally significant trans women. Bookable via Eventbrite.
Staff events
LGBTQ+ Community Lunch and Listen
Wednesday 18 February, 12.30pm to 2.30pm, JMSU Activities Space: Student Life Building
Join the Diversity and Inclusion Team, our LGBTQ+ Staff Network and artist Clare Beloved for lunch, connection and conversation. An opportunity to come together to share and reflect on the stories of our LGBTQ+ community here at LJMU.
Clare Jasmine Beloved is a Liverpool queer artist, poet, and creative therapist. For over 30 years, she has woven magical spaces of story and imagination, amplifying unheard voices through creativity and community. Clare currently curates the Homotopia project 100 Queer Scouse Activists, an exhibition of untold stories of everyday activism that has shaped our city and sparked change. During this session, Clare will invite us all to consider the quiet activism we all undertake to advance LGBTQ+ equality in our own lives, recognising our importance, power and place in the larger story of LGBTQ+ rights. Register for the event here.
q:LJMU Research and Scholarship Showcase
Wednesday 25 February, 1pm to 2.30pm, Tithebarn Building, room G.09
q:LJMU was established to provide an inter-disciplinary space for LJMU staff and research degree students interested in research with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) people and communities to come together to support research activities, discussion and collaboration.
This event, in collaboration with the Diversity and Inclusion Team, will showcase current activity taking place across the university, alongside opportunities for networking and discussion. All are welcome to attend. Register for the event here.
Support for students
LJMU has a range of support for LGBTQI+ students including a support page which outlines dedicated contacts at the university for wellbeing and practical support.
Find out more on our Student Support pages.
Staff: Join the LGBTQIA+ staff network
Our LGBTQIA+ Staff Network organises a range of activities throughout the academic year which is an excellent way of meeting other members of the community.
You can find out more about the LGBTIQ+ network and all other LJMU staff networks on our website.
For any further information please contact the Diversity and Inclusion team.
