Wednesday 01-02-2017 - 00:00

February is LGBT+ History Month!

LGBT+ Officer, Francesca Gluscevic, and Trans Students' Officer, Spencer Blackwell, discuss their aims for the month.

 

This month we’re pairing up with the University of Bristol LGBT+ Staff Network, and LGBT+ Society to run a series of events intended to highlight the rich history of LGBT+ people, some of which has experienced erasure throughout the ages. In this month, we want to seize the opportunity to remember LGBT+ people who have come before us; those who have fought for us, and; those who have made sacrifices so that we can live in the world we live in today.

 

In particular we want to take the time to highlight the diversity of LGBT+ experiences, which we'll be showcasing through our photo series showcasing the LGBT+ Humans of Bristol (watch this space!). Individuals may hold multiple identities, which intersect and interact with each other throughout their navigation through life.  We want to celebrate the histories of all LGBT+ people, not just the ones who are most visible.

 

We will remember the histories of those who have struggled in a world where they weren’t afforded the basic human right to be themselves. We will celebrate the victories and successes of LGBT+ people, whilst remembering the struggles and tribulations that many before us endured. We will also keep in our hearts LGBT+ people across the country and the world whose existence is threatened on a daily basis.

 

We hope you will join us to learn and celebrate throughout History Month!

 

Events

A History of LGBT+ Identities in Bristol and the UK

Tuesday 7 February, 6 - 8pm, Link Room 1+2 (Arts Complex)

This event features an opening talk by Jonathan Cooper, celebrating 2017 as the 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in the UK.

The panel will feature Jamie Lawson from the University of Bristol Anthropology department, local trans activist Cheryl Morgan, and the trailblazing Chardine Taylor-Stone, who started the Black Girl’s Picnic and Stop Rainbow Racism. Finally, Alex Feis-Bryce from the UK National Sex Workers Network, who has worked tirelessly campaigning for Sex Workers rights with NUM. Join the event page here.

 

LGBT+ Staff Network Meeting

Wednesday 8 February, 12.30 - 1.30pm, Gromit Room (Richmond Building)

To mark LGBT+ History Month, all staff and students are invited to attend the termly meeting of the staff network to discuss some projects we can work on together this year. For more information contact the staff network Co-chairs. 

 

Story Slam: Identity (LGBT+ History)

Sunday 12 February, 2 - 4.30pm, The Wardrobe Theatre

Collaboration with Story Slam.

Hear people's amazing true stories, told live on stage. All stories are told by volunteers from the audience. Put your name in the hat for a chance to tell your story, or just enjoy everyone else's! Join the event page here.

 

Pride Screening and Talk by LGSM Member, Mike Macbeth

Tuesday 17 February, 8 - 10.30pm, Gromit Room (Richmond Building)

Join Bristol SU for a film showing of ‘Pride’, with a talk by L.G.S.M. affiliate and member of UoB Anthropology department Mike McBeth. The film is based on the true story of the creation of the political group ‘Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners’ (LGSM) during the mining strikes in Thatcher’s Britain. Afterwards, Mike McBeth will give a talk about his involvement in LGSM, and his campaigning for Labour.Join the event page here.

 

Arts and Cultural Showcase

Monday 20 February, 8pm, Roll for the Soul (Quay Street)