Our talented LGBTQ+ students have created a range of art pieces based on their experiences of ‘LGBTQ+ In Lockdown’. You can view the display in Keynes Atrium all month.

For millions of people across the UK, and the world, the Covid-19 lockdowns were a turbulent, emotional and difficult time that placed intense pressure on an individuals’ mental health. Many are still living, and struggling, with the aftereffects.

This exhibition showcases the creative talents of LGBTQ+ students at the University as they reflect on their experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic, and in particular the lockdowns throughout 2020 and into 2021.

For LGBTQ+ students, alongside the pressure of trying to juggle studies, work and the anxiety caused by the global pandemic, there was the additional pressure of being away from their university support networks, potentially being forced to live in a hostile environment, or having to pause or further delay treatment or medical processes for an unknown period of time. For many, lockdown was incredibly traumatic.

For other members of the community, the lockdowns represented an opportunity for deep self-reflection and discovery; a chance to explore their identities.

This collection of art and poetry, commissioned from over 20 student artists from the LGBTQ+ community, reflects the diverse range of feelings and experiences that are reflective of our wider community, both at Kent and beyond and offers a window into the different meanings that the word ‘lockdown’ had for students.

The artists were encouraged to reflect upon what lockdown meant for them as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, both the positives and the negatives. For some, lockdown was an experience that they hoped would never be repeated. For others, it was a period of contemplation and enlightenment. For many, it was both.

Thanks to Student Services and Kent County Council who funded this project. 

See more LGBT+ History Month events. 

What is LGBT+ History Month?

LGBT+ Month is an annual nationwide celebration throughout February, which was started in 1994 to celebrate the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements. The history month gives a focus to raise awareness of the prejudice that can still exist, but also to raise up role models, celebrate achievements, and build a more just community. This year, the national theme is Politics in Art: ‘The Arc is Long’, and we at Kent also aim to ‘educate out prejudice’ and open doors for more dialogue and visibility for everyone in our diverse university community.

Kent Celebrations

You can find the Kent LGBT+ History month programme of events on the Kent Union website, featuring both online and in person activities open to all. Look out for exhibitions in the Library and the ‘LGBTQ+ In Lockdown’ exhibition in Keynes Atrium featuring student artists reflecting on what lockdown meant for them, both positive and negative. You might like to take part in a new book club, or try some hands-on activities such as tie dye t-shirt printing, pronoun badge making or Zine creating.

There are also educational webinars and seminars on ‘The Experiences of Transgender Students in Higher Education’, a series of highly exciting sessions as part of our ‘Celebrating Consent Day’, Student Support workshops on building resilience, film screenings, a Woody’s Quiz, and the chance to get tickets for the Queer Prom in March. LGBTQ+ flags will also be flying across both the Canterbury and the Medway campus. Learn about the meaning behind each of the unique colours and designs.

Support at Kent

Some of the discussions about LGBTQ+ experiences in lockdown may be challenging to engage with, or provoke feelings that you might benefit from working through in a therapeutic setting. Student Support and Wellbeing are running a therapeutic ‘Reflect, Recover and Empower’ workshop for LGBTQ+ students on 21 February, 19.00-20.30 with a particular focus on the personal impact of Covid-19 and coping with future change.

Student Support and Wellbeing offer mental health support, counselling and peer support groups to all students. You can also check out our LGBTQ+ self-help resource section online.

We have a number of ways to help and support staff, including through our EAP programme and Mental Health Allies. You can find all the information on support available to staff on our SharePoint site.

Networks and Societies

Kent operates networks and societies for its staff and student Rainbow communities. The Staff Network is open to all staff, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. It runs a confidential mailing list as well as organising different events throughout the year to promote equality and diversity and to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ people and issues. It also organises social events so that staff can network and seek advice and support from fellow colleagues. Please email the staff network if you are interested in joining.

The LGBTQ+ Student Network acts as a voice for LGBTQ+ students to both the University and the Union and helps to ensure informed decisions are made on a practical and strategic level as well as planning events and networking opportunities for new and returning students. Email the Student Network if you are interested in joining.

You can also join the student LGBTQ+ Society at Canterbury and the Medway LGBTQ Society, whose primary function is to facilitate a safe space for students of marginalised gender identities and sexualities to socialise and meet other like-minded individuals, helping to develop friendships and support networks. 

Allyship

LGBT+ History Month is for LGBTQ+ people and their allies as well. If you want to learn more about being an effective ally and using your power and influence to magnify the voices of underrepresented or marginalised groups, then our online Ally resources are an excellent place to start.

Follow #KentLGBTQHM22 on social media for the latest information on what’s on, and if you would like to contribute your experience and perspective to conversations, podcasts or articles on this theme during the month, please email StudentServicesWeb@kent.ac.uk.

Written by Natalia Crisanti, Student Engagement and Communications Officer, Student Services  and Becky Lamyman, Student Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Officer, Student Services. 31.01.22