What is LGBTQ+ History Month?

LGBTQ+ History Month is a time to honour, amplify and explore the histories, identities and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex and queer students and communities

Here at SUBU, events are held throughout the month to give everyone across campus the chance to connect, learn and show up as allies.

When is LGBTQ+ History Month?

February marks LGBTQ+ History Month nationally. Similarly to Black History Month, LGBTQ+ History Month is celebrated at different times of the year depending on where you are in the world.

In the USE, Canada and Australia is it celebrated in October to conicide with National Coming Out Day and to commemorate the first two LGBTQ+ rights marched in Washington in 1979 and 1987.

In Berlin it is called Queer History Month and takes place in May. In the UK however it is celebrated in February which conicides with the abolition of Section 28, which prohibited the 'promotion of homosexuality' by local authorities including in schools, in 2003 and was first celebrated in 2005.

What we’re doing

Our annual programme, which is designed in collaboration with your LGBTQ+ Officer and Trans, Non-Binary, Intersex and Gender Identity + Officer, brings together a variety of activities.

Expect:

• Panels and talks with students, staff and guest speakers sharing lived-experiences.
• Film screenings and workshops exploring queer history, identity and activism.
• Creative sessions and performance spaces featuring art, spoken word and live music.
• Social and community events including mixers, drop-ins and safe spaces to meet.
• Awareness campaigns exploring what queer identity and allyship means amongst the community

Who is this for?

Everyone! If you identify as LGBTQ+ or if you’re an ally, whether you’re a first year or final year, part-time student or postgraduate, you are welcome to attend.

What about the rest of the year?

At SUBU, we know that while LGBTQ+ History Month is a time where the spotlight is on the disabled and neuro-diverse community and their invaluable contributions to history past and present, it is important to empower and champion our disabled students all-year-round and to be an active ally to them too.

This is where the LGBTQ+ Students’ Network comes in! Whether you’re part of the community at BU, or an ally, you can easily be kept up-to-date by self-defining below.