LGBT+ History Month celebrates LGBT+ lives, voices and experiences in all of their diversity.
LGBT+ (sometimes also termed LGBTQ+ or LGBTQIA2) stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (the ‘q’ stands for ‘queer’ or ‘questioning’, the ‘i’ for ‘intersex’, the ‘a’ for ‘asexual’, the ‘2’ for ‘Two-Spirit’, and the + for a range of identities, including non-binary and pansexual).
LGBT+ History Month increases the visibility of the LGBT+ community, raising awareness of LGBT+ history, lives, and experiences, and working to promote the welfare of those within the LGBT+ community.
It takes place every February across the UK, providing space to understand the various struggles that members of the LGBT+ community have faced, both historically and in the present, and working towards future change.
At University of Kent, we have a whole host of events and activities taking place throughout February. Here’s our handy guide to LGBT+ History Month events!
Resources
LGBTQ+ History Month Books and Resources – 1 Feb–28 Feb, Templeman Library
Check out the Templeman Library’s resource list of books, e-books, podcasts, films and events on topics relating to LGBTQ+ life and experience. Books from the list will be displayed in the Library Welcome Hall and Cafe and are available to browse and borrow. Check out resources on non-binary living, intersex experience, trans* stories and voices, hidden LGBTQ+ histories, queer artists, queer memoirs, political histories, novels, non-fiction and more.
And in Medway, don’t miss The Drill Hall Library LGBTQ+ Book Stand, offering a wide range of books from various genres, each exploring stories that represent the LGBTQ+ community.
Careers and Employability
LGBTQ+ Work-Study Drop In – 13 Feb 11.30–13.30 Keynes Atrium
The Careers and Employability Team will be hosting an information stand in Keynes Atrium on 13 February to give you the opportunity to find out more about seeking LGBTQ+ friendly employers, what to look for when applying for jobs, and finding support in the world of work.
Finding LGBTQ+ Inclusive Employers–17 Feb and 21 Feb 12.00–13.00 Online
Online sessions offering advice about how to find LGBTQ+ inclusive employers.
Exhibitions
LGBTQ+ In Lockdown Exhibition, 1 Feb–28 Feb, Drill Hall Library
Come along to the Drill Hall Library in Medway for a chance to see this collection of creative artwork by student members of the LGBTQ+ community at Kent.
Behind the Lens / LGBTQ+ Love Letters Exhibition, 7 Feb–28 Feb, Marlowe Building
Head to the Marlowe Building on the Canterbury campus to learn more about the history of LGBTQ+ activism at Kent and to read love letters throughout history.
Talks
Virtual Talk: Just Like Us, LGBT Ambassador Rebecca Milsom, 16 Feb 13.00–14.00, Online
Join Rebecca Milsom, Kent graduate and Senior Delivery Co-ordinator at LGBTQ+ young people’s charity Just Like Us, discussing her experience of being LGBTQ+ in the world of work as a Just Like Us ambassador.
Author Talk with Rosa Rankin-Gee – 20 Feb, 13.00–13.45 Templeman SR1 and 2
Hear the author of Evening Standard’s ‘Best New Book of 2021’, Dreamland, talk about her work in a Q&A session.
Virtual Talk: Tales from LGBTQ+ History – 22 Feb 16.00–17.30
Learn more about the stories of LGBTQ+ heroes in the history of the struggle for equal rights. Panellists will discuss a moment in the history of LGBTQ+ activism about which they are passionate in this online talk.
Activities
Queer Valentine’s Card Making – 9 Feb, The Venue
Give It A Go presents a queer Valentine’s card craft session, offering the chance to make a personal handmade card especially for your loved one.
Joyland Screening – 14 Feb, 19.00–21.00, Gulbenkian Cinema
Don’t miss this preview of the Urdu and Punjabi love story between a Pakistani Bollywood-style burlesque dancer and a trans woman.
Lace Up, Speak Up – 15 Feb 13.00–15.00, Woody’s Bar
Head down to Woody’s to sign the pledge for inclusivity in sport. The Lace Up, Speak Up campaign emphasizes the importance of inclusivity within sport, supporting students to be their whole selves in sports teams and sports environments.
Pick up your own pair of rainbow laces and wear them around campus to show your support and commitment to the pledge.
LGBTQ+ Quiz Night – 16 Feb 18.00–21.00 The Student Hub, Medway
Head down to the Student Hub on the Medway Campus for a fun quiz night about celebrating diversity and learning more about the LGBTQ+ community.
Pronoun Badge Making – 21 Feb 12.00–14.30, The Student Hub, Medway
Give It A Go presents the chance to make your own pronoun badges for you and your friends!
Heartstopper Screening, 23 Feb 18.00–22.00, The Student Hub, Medway
Come along for a screening of the hit Netflix coming-of-age show, Heartstopper, exploring young love in a British High School, some of which was filmed locally in the seaside town of Herne Bay. Popcorn and drinks provided!
Zine making workshop with Queer Zine Library – 24 Feb 11.00–13.00, Special Collections, Templeman Library
Join in this interactive zine making workshop in the Special Collections Reading Room in the Templeman Library. The workshop will include a short introduction to the Queer Zine Library collection of radical self-published materials, as well as the opportunity to make your own personal zines, or simply browse and discuss the collection.
Woody’s LGBTQ+ History Month Quiz, 26 Feb 20.00–22.00, Woody’s Bar
Test your LGBTQ+ History Month knowledge at this specially-themed edition of Woody’s weekly Quiz Night, promising guest hosts, cocktails and more!