Celebrating LGBT+ History Month 2024
Colleagues, students and members of the public are warmly invited to help mark and celebrate LGBT+ History Month at the University of Leeds.
Professor Paul Johnson OBE, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and University Executive Group LGBT+ Equity Champion said:
“LGBT+ History Month is for everyone, and I hope everyone in our university will want, in some way, to take part in it. As a community proud of its diversity and being made up of people with widely different experiences and personal histories, LGBT+ History Month is an opportunity for us to explore what continues to divide us and, crucially, what unites us for our common good.”
Read more in a message shared with all staff (link accessible to University of Leeds staff only).
Events taking place across the University:
Performing Gender as You See Fit: Contested Bodies Panel: 21 February
On Wednesday 21 February between 6 and 7.15pm join a fascinating discussion around art and how gender is performed with artists and co-curators of the University’s Contested Bodies exhibition.
The panel will explore the concept of gender as a social construct and delve into the practice of some of the artists represented in the ‘Contested Bodies’ exhibition. This thought-provoking panel discussion will be chaired by the exhibition’s co-curator and collector Marcelle Joseph.
This event is open to staff, students and members of the public.
More information and register for this free event
'What progress, and for whom? LGBT equality beyond legislative initiatives' Guest lecture from Dr Koen Slootmaeckers: 26 February
On Monday 26 February between 5 and 6.45pm the Equality and Inclusion Unit (EIU) warmly welcomes colleagues and students to a guest lecture for LGBT+ History Month. Chaired by Professor Paul Johnson OBE, Dr Koen Slootmaeckers, Reader in International Politics from City, University of London, will be delivering a talk titled: ‘What progress, and progress for whom? LGBT equality beyond legislative initiatives.’
This talk is open to all staff and students from across the University of Leeds community.
More information and register for this free event
Programme of events from the LGBT+ Staff Network
The University’s LGBT+ Staff Network are hosting an exciting programme of events and activities:
These include a guided tour of the Contested Bodies exhibition in Parkinson Court, a coffee social, and a LGBT+ Research Reveal with Dr Rob Eagle on ‘Representing contested LGBT+ histories on film’ & Professor Helen Finch – ‘Inclusive Queer Memory and the Holocaust’.
Contact the LGBT+ Staff network to sign up for these events and to join the network lgbt+staff@leeds.ac.uk
LGBT+ Staff Network public event: Lord Michael Cashman and Professor Paul Johnson OBE in conversation: 'Why is LGBT+ History Month still important in 2024.': 29 February
Michael Cashman is a prominent British politician, actor, and LGBTQ+ rights activist. Notably, Lord Cashman is a co-founder of Stonewall, and was first catapulted into the public eye whilst playing Colin Russell in the BBC soap opera "EastEnders," contributing to one of the first portrayals of a gay character on British television and showing the historic first gay kiss on a UK soap opera. Serving as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from 1999 to 2014, he represented the West Midlands region for the Labour Party. In 2013, Cashman was created a life peer, and a year later was appointed Labour’s special envoy on LGBT+ issues worldwide.
Gain valuable insights into LGBTQ+ activism, discuss progress and challenges, and participate in a dynamic Q&A session. Don't miss this chance to be part of a meaningful conversation.
Wine reception from 6.00pm
Doors at 6.15pm
Discussion begins at 6.30pm
This event is open to all staff, students and members of the public.