LGBT+ History Month is celebrated in schools, universities, workplaces and communities across the UK every February. Launched in the UK by Schools OUT in 2005, LGBT+ History Month celebrates our rich and diverse histories.
The theme for this year is Activism and Social Change. Schools OUT has highlighted five British LGBT+ historical figures who align with this theme: Octavia Hill,Ivor Cummings, Annie Kenney, Charlie Kiss and Olaudah Equiano. This year is also the twentieth anniversary of LGBT+ History Month’s introduction to the UK.
Look out for the Pride flag, which will be flying over Sussex House throughout February.
Read more about LGBTQ+ History Month at Sussex: LGBTQ+ History Month 2023 - LGBTQ+ Lives at Sussex Past and Present.
LGBT+ History Month Events at Sussex
For staff
The LGBTQ+ Staff Network is holding an LGBT+ History Month event on the history of Polari:
Join us for a Polari Workshop on Tuesday, 4th February, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at the Meeting House, where we will explore the rich history and cultural significance of Polari, a secret form of language historically used within LGBTQ+ communities, including its connection to marginalised groups such as Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showmen, and Boater (GRTSB) communities. This workshop celebrates LGBTQ+ heritage, highlights resilience, and provides a space for connection and learning. The event is prioritised for members of our LGBTQ+ and Trans and Non-Binary Staff Networks, but all staff, including allies, are welcome to attend. Registration for all staff members opened on Monday, 27th January and spaces are free. Please sign up using the Ticket Tailor link here to reserve your place. For any accessibility requirements or questions, contact Hermione at h.j.la-chapelle@sussex.ac.uk
The LGBTQ+ staff network is also running an LGBT+ History Month discussion event:
Join us online for our next Hot Topics session on Wednesday, 12th February 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, as part of LGBTQ+ History Month. This month’s theme is activism, where we’ll share stories and hold informal conversations about LGBTQ+ activists throughout history, reflecting on their legacies and the impact of their work. Open to all staff, including allies, this event provides a space to connect, learn, and celebrate the contributions of LGBTQ+ changemakers. Please follow the zoom link here to join.
For students
The Students’ Union have organised a queer prom:
Join us on February 21st for ReProm! an unforgettable night dedicated to celebrating and reclaiming prom on your terms.
What to expect:
- A welcoming and inclusive space where you can express yourself freely.
- Queer DJs from Spotlight Events are spinning the soundtrack to a night of joy and celebration.
- A chance to connect with other LGBTQ+ students and celebrate your authentic self.
When? February 21st from 7:30 PM – 1:00 AM
Where? Room 76
This event is open to all queer students. Find out more and buy tickets here!
Other student events running over LGBT+ History Month include a screening of But I’m a Cheerleader! and an LGBTQ+ Dungeons and Dragons one-shot campaign – look at the complete line-up here.
For everyone
Staff in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine are putting on an LGBT+ History Month display:
Throughout February there will be a display in the Bridge Social Space highlighting 5 LGBT+ historical figures who have made significant contributions in the area of Activism and Social Change. Join us to celebrate 20 years of LGBT+ History Month and stop by the display to learn more about these figures and how they helped shape and create social change, advancing society for all.
Support for Staff and Students
Our Sussex community has several groups for LGBTQ+ staff and students:
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Staff members who identify as LGBTQ+ can join our LGBTQ+ Staff Network by contacting lgbt-staff@sussex.ac.uk. The LGBTQ+ Staff Network arranges events and activities through the year, and provides an informal network of LGBTQ+ staff. Many of their events are open to all staff, and some events are also open to students. To find out more, see the Staff Networks page on the website.
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Our Trans and Non-binary Staff Network at Sussex is a confidential and fully inclusive group open to all Sussex staff who identify as trans and/or non-binary. You can join the confidential mailing list by contacting transnonbinarystaff@sussex.ac.uk. The mailing list is monitored and accessed solely by the Chair of the Trans and Non-binary Staff Network.
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Students who identify as trans and/or non-binary, or who are intersex, can contact the Students’ Union Trans and Non-binary Group by emailing transnonbinary@sussexstudent.com. They can also get involved with Transcend, a SU-affiliated Campaign and Network aimed at uplifting the lives of trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming students at the University of Sussex and beyond: transcend.sussex@sussexstudent.com
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Students who identify as LGBTQ+ can join the Students’ Union’s LGBTQ+ Society and contact the Students’ Union officers for support.
Other resources and support:
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The University of Sussex is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for every member of its community. If you or someone else has experienced behaviours such as bullying, harassment, a hate incident, sexual violence, domestic abuse or discrimination, you can let us know using Report and Support.
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The university’s Wellbeing Support Guide contains a dedicated section signposting to a variety of LGBTQ+-specific resources
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Students can find resources and support at the Student Centre and on the Sexuality and Gender Support and Information web pages.
LGBTQ+ e-learning:
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Staff may wish to explore relevant e-learnings during LGBT+ History Month. In addition to the mandatory Diversity in the Workplace e-learning, the university also provides courses in Trans and Non-Binary Awareness and a guide for managers on Supporting Trans and Non-Binary People at Work.