Hello!

LGBT+ History Month is witnessed in February to coincide with a landmark celebration for LGBT+ people in Britain - the 2003 abolition of Section 28, which was a law in the UK that prevented local authorities and schools from ‘promoting homosexuality’.

The passing of Section 28 in the 1980s was fueled by public outcry, the HIV crisis worsening the stigma against the LGBT+ community and attacks by the right-wing media on any literature that showed gay couples in a positive light. It had a huge impact on student groups, many of which shut down in fear of legal action being taken against them.

In the National LGBT+ survey that over 108,000 UK LGBT+ citizens participated in, participants only rated their life satisfaction at 6.5/10 compared to heterosexual citizens who rated it at 7.7. Transgender people rated their lives at 5.4/10. This year is the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots – a defining series of demonstrations by members of the LGBT+ community in response to a police raid in the United States. Even though this happened 50 years ago, we are now seeing a resurgence of violence against LGBT+ people, with an 80% increase of homophobic attacks in the last 4 years, with a significant proportion of that being against BAME LGBT+ people.

So, it’s both an honour and a privilege that we are able to put on so many amazing events for such an important month, particularly within the context of being LGBT+ in the UK at the moment. We wouldn’t be here today, in a situation where we can be proud of our sexuality and gender, without those who fought for acceptance long before now.

However, it’s important to remember the work towards equality is far from over. We hope months like this give LGBT+ people on campus and beyond a chance to express themselves openly, and celebrate our community and its history. Whether LGBT+ or not, we hope you enjoy all the events in store this month, and show your support however you can! See you there!

Lily (Trans Representative)
Kate (LGBT+ Representative)
Ella (VP Welfare)

Events

BL Pride Week: Understanding Gender Dysphoria

A talk on gender dysphoria and medically transitioning with Dr James Barrett and two of his patients. Part of the BLSA Pride Week celebrations in the first week of February.

Perrin LT, 6pm-8pm
Tues 5th Feb 2019

BL Pride Week: STI Testing with Positive East

#KnowYourStatus and get tested! Free condoms and lube also available.

BLSA Building, 4:30-7:30pm
Wed 6th Feb 2019

BL Pride Week: Drag Extravaganza

Awarded “Event of the Year 2017/18”, The Drag Extravaganza returns for another year of fabulous and flamboyant fundraising. With double our previous number of shows and all proceeds bring donated to RAG, there’s no excuse not to join us for a night of fashion, music and questionable talent. Come along and support queer art at BL!

7pm-10pm
Wed 6th Feb & Fri 8th Feb 2019

Library Square Stall

Throughout the month, we will have a stall running with information, cake sales, pronoun badges, games, and so much more! Come and chat to the LGBT+ Society Committee and have some fun whilst you’re at it.

Library Square, 12pm-3pm
Fri 8th Feb 2019

Paris is Burning Screening

O-P-U-L-E-N-C-E! This Sundance prize-winning documentary explores race, class, gender, and sexuality through the 1980’s ball culture that became a safe haven for queer people of colour and trans communities. We will also be discussing the controversial nature of the film and its significance today.

Drapers Lounge, 6:30pm-9pm
Fri 8th Feb 2019

Library Square Stall

Throughout the month, we will have a stall running with information, cake sales, pronoun badges, games, and so much more! Come and chat to the LGBT+ Society Committee and have some fun whilst you’re at it.

Library Square, 12pm-3pm
Mon 11th Feb 2019

Question Time

LGBT students from different political parties will be debating some of today’s most pressing issues for the wider community and beyond.

David Sizer LT, 6pm-8pm
Mon 11th Feb 2019

Madchen in Uniform Screening

This 1931 German film follows the blossoming romance between a teacher and student at a boarding school, and the scandal that follows. LGBT+ society committee member Cat will open the film by discussing the often negative stereotypes of queer women throughout film history.

Blomeley Room 2, 6pm-8pm
Wed 13th Feb 2019

Library Square Stall

Throughout the month, we will have a stall running with information, cake sales, pronoun badges, games, and so much more! Come and chat to the LGBT+ Society Committee and have some fun whilst you’re at it.

Library Square, 12pm-3pm
Fri 15th Feb 2019

BL Pride Week: Griff Inn LGBTQuiz

The Griff Inn Pub Quiz returns again this month with a special Pride Week twist! Expect questions on LGBT history, pop culture and music with great prizes and a chance to win cash with the ‘Play Your Cards Right’ mini game.

The Griff Inn, 6:30pm-9pm
Fri 15th Feb 2019

LGBTea and Coffee

A spin on the LGBT+ Society’s usual coffee social, this month they will be chatting about topics that often affect the LGBT+ community, such as mental health and body image.

Blomeley Room 1, 3pm-5pm
Wed 20th Feb 2019

Library Square Stall

Throughout the month, we will have a stall running with information, cake sales, pronoun badges, games, and so much more! Come and chat to the LGBT+ Society Committee and have some fun whilst you’re at it.

Library Square, 12pm-3pm
Mon 25th Feb 2019

Diversity Panel

Chaired by the LGBT+ Society’s BAME Rep, Storm, various queer people of colour will be joining us to discuss how their race and identity affect their experience in LGBT+ spaces.

David Sizer LT, 6pm-8pm
Tue 26th Feb 2019

LGBTea and Coffee

A spin on the LGBT+ Society’s usual coffee social, this month they will be chatting about topics that often affect the LGBT+ community, such as mental health and body image.

Blomeley Room 1, 5:15pm-7:15pm
Wed 27th Feb 2019

Honey

The LGBT+ Society’s club night night is back and better than ever. Close off the month with a night filled with hits from the 70’s through to the noughties. This is a night not to be missed!

Drapers Lounge, 9pm-2am, tickets here
Thu 28th Feb 2019