Celebrating diversity during LGBT+ month
As part of a month long celebration of diversity, we are hosting a series of events to mark LGBT+ History Month, which runs from Monday 3 February to Friday 13 March 2020. Activities include talks by internationally renowned speakers, a range of interactive workshops, topical film screenings and a fundraising event at Firebug called Love Music Hate Homophobia, which will raise money for MindOut, the LGBTQ mental health charity, who are celebrating their 20th anniversary.
In addition, the inaugural LGBT+ inclusion award ceremony, which recognises organisations for their inclusive practices, will take place at De Montfort University on Tuesday 25 February, with a celebration event at the University of Leicester on Friday 28 February. The award, which launched last year, is run in partnership with De Montfort University, Leicestershire Police, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service and Leicester LGBT Centre.
Gavin Brown, Professor of Political Geography and Sexualities in our School of Geography, Geology and the Environment, said: “The LGBT+ History Month events on campus are an important part of the University’s commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and affirming space for LGBT+ staff and students. This is a place of learning and LGBT history month is a great opportunity for staff and students to learn from each other. These events demonstrate that the University is committed to supporting the LGBT+ community not just on campus, but across Leicester, Leicestershire and beyond.”
Asexual model Yasmin Benoit, who kick-started the #ThisisWhatAsexualLooksLike hash tag, visits Leicester to take part in an 'In Conversation' session (Wednesday 19 February), and Bisi Alimi, a Nigerian LGBT+ activist, will speak about how he has used his platform to champion the voices of many marginalised people within LGBT+ communities (Tuesday 18 February). The TV star, professional photographer and filmmaker Katie Reeves will host a talk and question and answer session about being a transgender ambassador, having spent 48 years as a man before she came out as transgender (Thursday 20 February). There will also be a conversation about the representation of sexual and gender identity in books.
All events are free and many are open to the public.