It's LGBTQ+ History Month
Join us in celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month this February. We are committed to supporting and raising the profile of our students, staff and alumni from the LGBTQ+ community, and we look forward to this time in our calendar every year when we can focus on all things LBGTQ. Throughout February, you will have the chance to attend Arts SU talks, workshops, artist showcases, as well as opportunities to have your voices heard and your work seen and celebrated. We’re also highlighting for you some of our favourite external events, all happening online, below. Take a look!
So how did it all begin?
LGBTQ+ History Month began in 2005 in the UK, following an initiative created by teachers Sue Sanders and Paul Patrick. They organised the first British LGBTQ+ History Month as part of a Schools Out UK project, a programme that aims to educate young people about the issues members of the LGBTQ+ community face and to make schools feel inclusive for everyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. The event was held in February to coincide with the 2003 abolition of Section 28 of the 1988 Local Government Act.
Ever since, events have taken place every February in the UK, focussing on a specific theme. This year’s theme is ‘Body, Mind, Spirit’ and it will undoubtedly resonate for members of the queer community who may be reflecting on the increased pressures that living through a global pandemic may place on them. Many of the events listed below touch on these issues.
While we’re on the topic of community, remember the university’s LGBTQ+ Society is also here to connect LGBTQ+ students with one another year-round through events, socials and activities. You can find more information and get involved through their society page. Be sure to keep an eye on the Arts SU Instagram account for exciting takeovers by the LGBTQ+ Society, callouts for LGBTQ+ students to share artwork, and showcase competitions.
Arts SU LGBTQ+ History Month events
3 February 3-6pm Queer Crits with LGBTQ+ Society
10 February 5-6pm Queer Identity and Healing with Foundation for Change
19 February 4-6pm Queer Makeup Social and Poetry & Performance Workshop
Take a walk through LGBTQ+ History with UAL Social Programme
20 February 8pm In conversation with Travis Alabanza - Bringing awareness to the Black trans experience
Podcasts, book recommendations and historical events you should know about.
Our favourite external online events
Week 1
4 February, What does a queer museum look like?, Tate Museum
4 February, Pride & Prejudice in Poland: Writers Fighting LGBT Free Zones, Lambeth Libraries
5 February, Queering AI with Andrew Mallinson, UAL
5 February, Queer History Tour and Badge Workshop, Norfolk Museums Service
Week 2
9 February, Queer Voices From the Pandemic, University of Edinburgh
10 February, Michael Dillon - Trans Pioneer, Bristol Museums
10 February, The importance of working class LGBTQ woman in history, Working Class Movement Library
11 February, Gay Graffiti at Lancaster Castle, Lancaster University
13 February, Outing the past festival, Manchester People's Museum
Week 3
15 February, Jamie Windust in Conversation, York St John University
18 February, Pride in Faith, Plymouth University
Week 4
24 February, Pride at Work: past, present and future, Plymouth University
24 February, Sexuality & Design, University of Wolverhampton
25 February, Queer Disabilities During the Pandemic, Lambeth libraries
17 March An Examination of Queer Black Aesthetics, Goldsmiths
Online exhibitions and festivals
LGBTQ + History Month, Museum of London
Outing the past, Royal Museum of Greenwich
Queer and now 2021,Tate Modern
The Museum of Transology, Museum of Transology
Queer Budapest, UAL Alumni
Podcasts
Queer histories, Goldsmiths
Queer Budapest Talks podcast, UAL Alumni