The University’s second Researching the Rainbow Conference was held on Thursday 15 February as part of LGBT History Month and was warmly received by attendees and participants. The event, organised by the LGBT+ Staff Network in partnership with Kent Union, was run for the first time last year to celebrate 50 years since the decriminalisation of homosexuality in the UK. There were approximately 50 attendees this year and over 980 views of the live stream via Kent Union’s Facebook page.

The conference was designed to showcase the vast array of research being done at Kent on or related to LGBT+ people and issues, and to encourage multi-disciplinary collaboration and networking. The event was opened by University of Kent Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Karen Cox, who also acts at the Executive Group’s LGBT+ and Gender Champion. Professor Cox said:

“It was a pleasure to have attended the ‘Researching the Rainbow’ conference. A wonderful mix of inspirational speakers, a diverse agenda and an opportunity for students and academics alike to present their work as peers.

As the EG LGBT+ champion, I am wholeheartedly committed to the principles of Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity. The LGBT+ Network are doing a really great job in turning the University’s commitments into a reality for individuals.”

The agenda was made up of predominantly Kent students and academics from a range of disciplines, discussing topics such as transgender identities in mental health care and the legal system and queer representation in the media. Renowned trans activists Fox and Owl also attended to speak about their project My Genderation, and joined fellow speakers for an open plenary hosted by Kent Union’s LGBT+ Trans Officer, Valiant Dorian.

Organiser Kasia Senyszyn, member of the LGBT+ Staff Network, said:

“It is a grassroots event – we started with just a few people who were interested in talking about their research with fellow aficionados and now we’re getting national activist superstars inspiring our students, staff and guests. I hope it continues to grow and we can get more and more people to participate. I have been so amazed by the calibre of talks over the last two years and can’t wait for next year!”

The conference also raised funds for LGBT charity Schools Out, founder of LGBT History Month. A video of the conference, which is being created by KTV, will shortly be available on the LGBT+ Staff Network blog.