LGBT+ History Month Events
LGBT+ History Month: February 2023
LGBT+ History Month is an annual month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bi+, trans*, queer and intersex history, including the history of LGBTQI+ rights and related civil right movements. In the United Kingdom, it is celebrated in February each year, to coincide with the 2003 abolition of Section 28. The national theme for this year is ‘Behind the Lens’ which aims to highlight the hard work and numerous contributions made by people of the LGBTQI+ community to the production of film and TV programs and we welcome students and staff members to join in with our events and conversations.
To mark LGBT+ History Month, the Rainbow Pride Flag will be flown outside St Paul’s Hall for the entirety of February.
We still have plenty of LGBT+ History Month events for you to get involved with!
‘Behind the Lens’ LGBTQI+ Identity Photo Exhibition
Monday 6th February – Wednesday 28th February
Bath House Galleries, Sovereign Design House (Toast House)
February is LGBT+ History Month and in the spirit of the theme ‘Behind the Lens’ we have set up an exhibition which showcases a selection of photos and imagery taken or created by our staff, students and alumni who identify with, or have a connection to, the LGBTQI+ community. The collated pictures are personal reflections from LGBTQI+ people and allies at the University of Huddersfield and we hope you enjoy it and spend some time with the emotions and feelings it raises.
The Bath House Galleries are open Monday-Friday 8am-3pm.
Classical Music and Queer History at Heritage Quay
Thursday 16th February 1:00pm-1:30pm
Heritage Quay, Floor 3, Schwann Building
Join Heritage Quay’s Public Engagement Assistant Megan Barford for an LGBT+ History Month tour of the current Heritage Quay exhibition. Learn about queer composers and performers from the archive, and about Heritage Quay’s work to ensure better representation of LGBTQIA+ voices in the collections in future.
This session is open to everyone, no bookings necessary.
HIV Testing and Information Session with The Brunswick Centre
Tuesday 21st February 12:00pm-2:00pm
CSG/23, Ground Floor, Charles Sykes Building
Over 105,000 people are living with HIV in the UK. Globally, there are an estimated 38 million people who have the virus. Despite the virus only being identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS related illnesses, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
The HIV and AIDS epidemic are a significant and important part of LGBT+ history. Since the 1980s, the LGBT+ community has fought long and hard to ensure that those living with HIV can access treatment and live dignified lives. However, the stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many people living with the condition.
Anne Glew from The Brunswick Centre will be coming in to talk about HIV prevention, bust some HIV myths and offer tests. There will be HIV tests taking place so please be aware if you are sensitive to needles and blood.
Anne Glew is an experienced Sexual Health Worker, and all HIV tests/information will be delivered discretely and confidentially. Visit HIV Support for more information.
This session is open to everyone, no bookings necessary.
LGBT+ History Month Pudding Club
Thursday 23rd February 12:00pm-2:00pm
International Kitchen, Floor 4, Student Central
Need an extra excuse to treat yourself to some cake and custard? Pudding Club on 23rd February will be LGBT+ History Month themed, with the opportunity to donate to local HIV support and LGBTQ+ youth charity, The Brunswick Centre! Join us at International Kitchen and indulge for a good cause!
Please note donations will be cash only, so don’t forget your change!
LGBT+ History Month Book Club: Young Mungo
Friday 24th March 12:00pm-1:30pm
Online (Teams)
Content warning: Themes of physical, emotional, and sexual assault.
‘Imbuing the everyday world of its characters with rich lyricism, Douglas Stuart's Young Mungo is a gripping and revealing story about the meaning of masculinity, the push and pull of family, the violence faced by so many queer people, and the dangers of loving someone too much.’
Hosted by the LGBTQI+ Staff Network, this book club is open to everyone at the University, as an opportunity to share, learn and celebrate LGBT+ History Month. This will be an opportunity to acknowledge and highlight some of the intersectional challenges that some may face on the basis of religion, class, and sexuality.
Please contact Lauren Minto for booking details.
LGBTQI+ Staff Network
The University of Huddersfield’s Lesbian, Gay, Bi+, Trans*, Queer and Intersex + (LGBTQI+) Staff Network was set up in April 2018. To find out more about this network including future meeting dates, please email lgbt@hud.ac.uk or please feel free to contact LGBTQI+ Network Co Chairs Carson McCombe and Lauren Minto.