February is LGBT History Month

As well as February being ‘Black History Month’, it has also recently been adopted as LGBT History Month. According to its website, LGBT History Month aims ‘to promote equality and diversity for the benefit of the public.’

This is done by:

• Increasing the visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (“LGBT”) people, their history, lives and their experiences in the curriculum and culture of educational and other institutions, and the wider community;
• Raising awareness and advancing education on matters affecting the LGBT community;
• Working to make educational and other institutions safe spaces for all LGBT communities; and
• Promoting the welfare of LGBT people, by ensuring that the education system recognises and enables LGBT people to achieve their full potential, so they contribute fully to society and lead fulfilled lives, thus benefiting society as a whole.

A range of events has been organised nationally for 2016. See here.

UG is also hosting an event to celebrate LGBT History Month on Wednesday 24 February:

The university is hosting an interactive workshop evening for the LGBT Partnership to share their latest research on Wednesday 24 February at 6pm, Room 015, Fullwood House, Park campus.

Last November, the LGBT Partnership, made up of a variety of organisations including Cheltenham Borough Council, Cheltenham Homes, GIRES, Gloucestershire Pride, the university and the Students’ Union, sought the views of the LGBT community on the services and support available to them in Gloucestershire. The presentation of findings will be followed by a workshop allowing attendees to provide their feedback and help to shape future support for the community.

Staff and students are welcome, although places will be limited so if you would like to attend, please contact [email protected] by Monday 15 February.