What is LGBT+ History Month and when does it take place?
LGBT+ History Month is an annual observance in February dedicated to celebrating the history, achievements, and culture of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual people. The aim is to raise awareness, combat prejudice, and recognise the progress and ongoing struggles for equality within the community. To mark the month, the Pride flag is being flown on the Registry Building throughout LGBT+ History Month.
How can I learn more?
You can find out more about LGBT+ History Month, what the University is doing to celebrate the event, and support/resources available for students and staff, by visiting the LGBT+ History Month page. This page will be updated regularly throughout February. However, some information is below.
What is happening at Kent?
You can find the Affirmations Wall throughout February in the Templeman Library (Library Café). This space is to write notes of love and positivity to your younger self, your future self, your friends, your loved ones, or anyone you think would benefit from a positive message. There will also be a physical display of LGBT+ literature in the Templeman Library throughout February.
The School of Humanities are hosting an event called ‘Queer Pasts, Queer Futures’ which will take place on Wednesday 25 February, 3pm in Grimond Lecture Theatre 2. Join staff, PhD researchers, and undergraduate students from across the Humanities for a roundtable showcasing cutting-edge research in Queer Studies at Kent. Ranging from trans lives in the Roman Empire to contemporary hip-hop culture, the discussion will revisit queer pasts while critically imagining queer futures. The event will feature lively conversation, followed by a drinks reception. All are welcome.
You can find out about other events happening on the LGBT+ History Month page.
What resources are available to me?
The University has lots of resources for LGBT+ students and those who would like to increase their awareness of LGBT+ inclusion. You can look at the LGBT+ reading list, to explore fiction, memoir, non-fiction, podcasts, audio books and audio-visual books. You can access other literary resources through the Libby App with your University of Kent free access. The University has an Expect Respect module which provides an introduction to equality, diversity and inclusion principles and values at Kent, and how that translates to expectations around behaviour. You can find out more about Support for Trans Individuals and the Gender Affirmation Fund (available to students who identify as transgender, non-binary or gender neutral) on the Kent website. We also have a LGBTQIA+ Student Life Guide.
What networks and societies are there?
Kent Students’ Union have numerous societies and networks you can join, including the LGBTQ+ Network, the LGBTQ+ Society, the Queer POC Society, and the Transgender and Non-Binary Students Society. There is also a Canterbury Trans Network for all transgender, intersex and non-binary people at Kent. It is independent from the University and run by non-binary people for non-binary people.
How do I report an incident?
You can report an incident such as harassment or bullying through Report + Support. You can either make a named report and speak to an adviser or give an anonymous report. We also recommend having the SafeZone app on your phone where you can summon first-aid, security or safety assistance on campus.