UK LGBT+ History Month
LGBT+ History Month is an annual month-long observance of past struggles and achievements of LGBTQIA+ people and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements.
In the UK, it takes place every February and was originally created by Schools OUT UK. It aims to promote and advance equality, diversity and inclusion. In 2025 Schools OUT is celebrating its 50th year and 20 years of UK LGBT+ History Month.
The 2025 UK LGBT+ History Month theme is Activism and Social Change.
What we're doing in 2025
Find out what we are doing at the University in support of LGBT+ History Month.
The fight for liberation - How it all started
- Online event - Open to all
- Thursday 6 February 2025
- Time: 13:00 – 14:00
The Stonewall Riots was a significant marker in the fight for liberation, but this history has been told and retold with key characters removed. Come along for an immersive exploration of this key moment, to learn more about the key people involved, and in particular how Black and Brown folks have been at the forefront of this fight from the beginning. We shall also explore the Liberation movement in the UK, ending with some insights into Bradford's Queer History.
Register for The fight for liberation - How it all started
Queer South Asians - Looking back and forward
- Online event - Open to all
- Wednesday 19 February 2025
- Time: 13:00 – 14:30
Queer South Asians have always been here! This presentation shall look back to explore the history of the Queer South Asian experience, highlighting key icons and their stories. We shall then look to current key icons and reflect on what the future holds. Be prepared for stereotypes to be broken, to listen to amazing poetry and to be introduced to some amazing icons!
Presentation will be delivered by Usman Ahmed, Co-Chair of the LGBTQ+ Staff Network at the University of Bradford, Founder of the Queer South Asian Café (Bradford), who is particularly interested in uncovering hidden histories related to Queerness and Bradford.
Register for the Queer South Asians- Looking back and forward
From Ace-Zir, the A-Z of LBGTQ+
- Online event - Open to all
- 13 February 2025
- Time: 13:00 – 14:00
Join one of University of Bradford LGBTQ+ staff network co-chairs, Neil Turner, for a useful glossary of LGBTQ+ terminology. Whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community, or an ally wanting to know more, this session will help you understand what terms like aromantic, cisgender, intersex and two-spirited mean. You'll learn about a wide range of terms, and some examples of words which have fallen out of favour.
Register for the From Ace-Zir, the A-Z of LGBTQ+.
Stonewall postal action network documentary screening with Austin Allen
- Online event - Open to all
- 26 February 2025
- Time: 13:00 – 14:00
Throughout the 1990’s, Austin Allen ran one of the UK's largest postal LGBT action networks from his bedroom in a back-to-back in Queensbury.
Stonewall Postal Action Network (SPAN), is a short documentary, telling the story of Austin's activism, his letter writing campaign and the packing up of his life work for an archive as he contemplates his legacy from his new home in rural Wales.
Join us to watch this brilliant short documentary about LGBTQ+ history in Bradford and meet a local and national activist. We will also have the chance to speak with Austin about the LGBTQ+ history of Bradford.
Film by director Dr Sarah Elizabeth Drummond.
Register for the Stonewall postal action network documentary screening with Austin Allen.
I would like to take the opportunity express our gratitude for the contributions made by LGBTQ+ staff and students to the University. We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all to work and study in, and we want to foster a sense of real belonging - where everyone can be their true selves. We are proud of our status as a university that provides visibility, support and equality for all LGBTQ+ people.
Martin Conway, University Secretary & Executive Advocate for LGBTQ+
Report + Support
We believe everyone should have a positive and rewarding experience at work. While that’s true for most people, it is not acceptable that even one person should be subjected to harassment, bullying or unacceptable behaviour of any kind.
In our commitment to build a safe, supportive and inclusive environment, we have teamed up with online reporting platform Culture Shift to launch Report + Support.
Report + Support gives our staff and students a voice. It is a new way to report unacceptable behaviour and incidents, safe in the knowledge that they will be taken seriously, inspire change and help others.
Through Report + Support you can report incidents (anonymously or including your contact information), access helpful information, and find out what support is available when you need it. We have worked closely with our staff and student services to ensure that Report + Support integrates with existing policies and procedures, providing comprehensive support to anyone reporting unacceptable behaviour.
How we celebrated Pride Month 2024
We also commemorate PRIDE Month on an annual basis, this is key to acknowledging the progressive strides in building safe and equitable spaces for our LGBTQ+ staff and students.
Resources
A range of free and informative resources on LGBT+ History Month.