We are proud to support LGBT+ History Month this February, celebrating the lives and contributions of members of the LGBT community throughout history.
LGBT+ History Week is celebrated in February each year to coincide with the 2003 abolition of Section 28 – the first anti-gay legislation to be introduced in the UK for 100 years. More than just a celebration, the month acts as a protest against hate and marginalisation and aims to raise awareness of prejudice against, LGBT people and history.
From international icons such as Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson sparking the Stonewall Riots, to those closer to home, such as University of Manchester heritage hero Alan Turing, queer icon Quentin Crisp and suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, the week aims to educate on the and reflect on our ongoing march towards equality and social justice.
If you want to get involved but don’t know where to start, here’s our top pick ways you can join in and learn a bit more about LGBT+ history from home:
Listen: In This Place: Gaychester
Podcast exploring the LGBT+ history of Manchester – from a trans man born in 1799, a 1880 “Drag Ball”, Alan Turing, Section 28, the AKT to the story behind Canal Street.
Watch: It’s a Sin
Written and created by Russell T Davies for Channel 4, It’s a Sin explores the lives of a group of gay men and their friends who lived during the HIV/AIDS crisis in the United Kingdom.
Read: ‘Becoming A Man: Half a Life Story’ by Paul Monette
Dive into this memoir following one man’s account of growing up in 1950s New England and his struggle, for half his life, to come out.
Explore: Out! Self-guided LGBT+ tour
Use this interactive trail map to plan your own route around the streets of Manchester and learn all about the city’s vibrant LGBT history. Not here in Manchester? You can use the interactive map to take a virtual tour right from the comfort of your home!
Connect: Manchester Village Stories
Manchester Village Stories is a University research project focused on your stories and experiences. Manchester’s LGBTQ+ Village has, for generations, functioned as a space where people can gather to express diverse sexual and gendered identities away from the glare of public opinion – click the link above to submit your story.
Events this month
UoM Sport Rainbow Day and Stonewall
Wednesday, 17 February
On the 17/02/21 we are encouraging everyone to dress up in their most colourful clothes to show their support of LGBT+ History Month. If you would like to be involved, get in touch and don’t forget to tag us in your Rainbow Day posts @UoMSport!
‘Can You Queer Me In The Back’ open mic night
Thursday, 18 February – 18:00
‘Can You Queer Me In The Back?’ is an annual open mic night that celebrates the talents of the LGBTQ+ community. With the move to online, we are able to showcase more talents than ever before on our Live Facebook show.
‘My God, I’m Queer’ Watch Party
Friday, 19 February – 18:30
Can you be Muslim and gay? Directed by Matt Mahmood-Ogston, founder of the Naz and Matt Foundation, ‘My God, I’m Queer’ explores this very topic. A bereaved fiancé goes on a deeply personal journey to try and prevent future tragedy.
MMU: Robert Mills’ LGBT History Month lecture – ‘Recognising Wilgefortis’
Wednesday, 24 February – 17:30
A discussion of a premodern painting, viewed through the prism of modern notions of trans identity and genderqueerness.
HCRISoc LGBTQ+ History Month Event
Thursday, 25 February – 18:00
Join us for a discussion on the parallels and stark differences between the AIDS crisis and COVID-19 and how we can ensure LGBTQ+ people are treated with dignity and respect in this pandemic.
For more information on LGBT+ history and how to get involved this February, visit the LGBT+ History Month website and get involved on social media with #LGBTHM21.