To celebrate 2026’s LGBTQ+ History Month the Templeman Library has been working with colleagues from Equality, Diversion and Inclusion and Residential Life to bring together relevant resources and engaging events.
This February see the return of LGBTQ+ history month the rich history of the queer community and educating the masses on important LGBTQ+ figures in science. The theme for this year’s celebration is Science and innovation, with Alan Turing, Judith Butler, Nargis Mavalvala being just a few of notable figures you can read and discover more about from the resources below.
LGBTQ+ Ebook collection via Libby
Access over 65 titles curated for you to access freely via Libby. Titles include ebooks and audio books with a range of popular fiction, romance and non-fiction titles for you to choose from. We have added some brand new titles including Queer there and everywhere: 23 people who changed the world by Sarah Prager.
LGBTQ+ films and documentaries via Kanopy
Dive into an inspiring and eclectic collection of films (feature, indie and international) as well as multiple documentaries on a number of topics experienced within the queer community. These are all freely available via the Templeman’s subscription to Kanopy. newly added Decoding Alan Turing: Alan Turing was a brilliant mathematician, logician and cryptographer. A Cambridge graduate who was fundamental to cracking the Nazi’s Enigma Code during WWII, Turing created what is hailed by some as the first modern computer and was a legendary innovator in his field. He was also gay, and fell victim to the intolerance and legal prosecution of his time, as homosexuality was considered an extreme mental illness and subject to criminal sanctions in the UK.
Books and resources list
We have a resource list of books, e-books, films, podcasts and events that will interest all those who want to feed their literary curiosity and for students to discover resources outside of their academic studies. Some of the gems in the list include Queer data: using gender, sex and sexuality data for action by Kevin Guyan.
Browse and borrow LGBTQ+ titles from our books displays in the Welcome Hall and Library Café and Love to Read Collection.
Affirmations wall
We are hosting the University Affirmations Wall all month in the Templeman Library cafe. This space is to write notes of love and positivity to your younger self, your future self, your friends, your loved ones, anyone you think would benefit from a positive message.
More LGBTQ+ events at Kent and beyond
To find out about more about Kent events taking place for this month use #KentLGBTQHM26 and check out the Kent Union events.
For a national view of what’s on visit LGBTQ+ History Month website.