LGBTQ+ History Month is a liberation campaign led by the LGBTQ+ Officer. The overarching goal of this Campaign is the awareness and understanding of the lived experiences within the LGBTQIA+ community. The campaign will focus on highlighting both historical and contemporary manifestations of queer activism and provide the community with opportunities to express and visualise their hope of societal change. With the aim of fostering community and belonging, the campaign will be centred on queer joy, celebrating the shared moments that unite and empower the community. The LGBTQ officer wanted to move away from queer pain and struggle narratives associated with the community and activism.
Campaign/ Activities Updates
LGBTQ Awareness Stall – an awareness stall outside the Hamilton Centre to introduce the month
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The awareness stall was led by the LGBTQ Officer and members of the LGBTQ society and network.
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Students and Staff were given pronoun badges (She/Her, She/They, They/Them, He/Him, Him/Them)
Stomp Out Homophobia – A campaign video showing that there is no space for homophobia on our sports team
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Teams included: Cheer, Rugby, Lacrosse, Hockey, Ultimate Frisbee
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Rainbow laces as well as well as specific identity laces: ACE (asexual), Bisexual and Trans laces
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Rainbow Laces Day is Wednesday 14th February
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Campaign video goes out week commencing Monday 19th February
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Captains were given the option of signing out a rainbow captain armband for the remainder of the term
TRANS STUDENT GUIDE/TOOLKIT
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Distributed in print and online throughout February via the Student Voice & Advice Reception. The toolkit included a campus toilet map, deed poll guidance, pronoun badges, and a coming-out template for staff.
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Designed to improve the sense of belonging for trans students and reduce feelings of “othering” by offering practical support and visibility.
GENDER NEUTRAL TOILETS PETITION
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The LGBTQ+ officer wrote a petition to university asking the university to introduce more gender-neutral toilets and ensure better maintenance of existing ones, while preserving accessible toilet facilities for disabled users.
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Focused on enhancing safety, dignity, and accessibility for trans and non-binary students across campus.
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We received backing from the Associate Dean of EDI (Royana Mitra) and the leader of LGBTQIA+ staff network. It is currently in review as the University’s reviews their entire Trans policy.
Juicy Fruit – A night-time event held within ‘The Venue’ to celebrate the community, create a sense of belonging, affirm their identity