LGBTQ+ History Month 2022 – Programme of events
Throughout February, we are hosting a series of in-person and virtual events for students and staff at the University of Brighton. Join us as we reflect on and celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer history. LGBTQ+ History Month is for everyone – we all stand together. This annual event began in 2005 and this year’s theme is Politics in Art: The Art is Long, which is inspired by a famous Martin Luther King quote: “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.”
It’s important to feel comfortable with who or what you are, being respected and treated fairly. LGBTQ+ History Month celebrates LGBTQ+ people and combats prejudice with education. Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and accepted. And everyone deserves to be their most authentic self. We celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month this month and every month – we are deeply committed to building a better tomorrow. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at these events!
17 Feb 18.00 – 20.00 Film screening and panel discussion: Homelessness within the queer community – In-person event.
Location: Grand Parade Boardroom. Book your space here.
The University of Brighton’s Community University Partnership Project is delighted to be holding the first screening of a groundbreaking documentary by Stonewall Housing – the UK’s leading LGBTQ+ homelessness charity. The film, ‘Less’, is a powerful exploration of queer homelessness; homophobic and transphobic abuse, conversion therapy, so-called honour-based violence, exorcisms and forced marriage.
A panel discussion will follow the screening, with:
- Steven McIntyre (Stonewall Housing)
- Jenny Jean-Paul (Stonewall Housing)
- Jide Macaulay (House of Rainbow)
- Rusi Jaspal (University of Brighton)
- Olu Jenzen (University of Brighton)
23 Feb 14.00 – 15.30 Brighton’s LGBTQ Spaces – Then, Now, Next: Walking tour with Dr Nicholas Mcglynn and Dr Rebecca Searle. *ALL SPACED FILLED – NEW DATE ADDED*
*All spaces on the 23 February tour have been filled. Due to high demand, the walk will also take place at the same time on Friday 25 February. Register below.*
Start location: Old Steine Gardens fountain.
23 Feb, 14:00-15:30: Click here to register. ALL SPACES FULL.
25 Feb, 14:00-15:30: Click here to register.
This 90-minute guided walk around central Brighton will introduce you to the oldest and the newest LGBTQ spaces in the city. You’ll visit sites of early discreet gay bars, of ‘cottages’ used for public sex, of women’s and lesbian activism, of meeting friends and partying, and of remembering those lost to HIV/AIDS. Along the way you’ll learn about the differences in Brighton’s LGBTQ spaces over the past century, recent changes in their use, and the real concerns over their future. The walk will conclude at The Ledward Centre (Brighton’s new LGBTQ+ community centre), where you’ll hear from the centre director about next steps for LGBTQ Brighton.
24 Feb 13.30 – 15.00 Peter Tatchell – LBGT+ equality is not enough – Event on MS Teams
Renowned Human Rights and LGBT rights campaigner Peter Tatchell will be discussing why equality within a flawed, unjust status quo is not liberation, and how we need to change society, not just win our equal place within it.
The talk will be introduced by Vice-Chancellor Professor Debra Humphris.
Throughout the month
We are working to curate a ‘human library’ experience for the month to celebrate the stories, history, and creativity of our network members. The library will be collated on a dedicated MS Teams channel and all articles will be recorded and available for the duration of the month. This could be a short story discussing your coming out, a story about a particular difficulty or triumph you have had, or a chance to showcase your creativity by reciting a poem you have written or enjoy, reading a book chapter that speaks to you, or sharing an art piece and discussing your inspiration. Anything from 2 minutes to a maximum of 30 minutes in length – let us know if you would be interested in getting involved (lgbtqplus@brighton.ac.uk).
We will be sharing your thoughts on LGBTQ+ History Month and the theme of ‘Art in Politics’ throughout the month from our Staff Network Twitter page (@UOBLGBTplus). You can either submit your thoughts to us (lgbtqplus@brighton.ac.uk) or you can tweet from your own account throughout February using #LGBTHistoryMonth and adding the network and the University. We look forward to creating discussion.
As well as the events the University of Brighton has created for the month, there are a number of online and local events. You will find an up-to-date list on the MS Teams area. Feel free to add anything you think is missing.
LGBTQ+ films and TV as recommended by Alex Scarrott, UoB on MS Teams
With so much content available on different streaming sites, it’s sometimes difficult to pick out what you want to watch. LGBTQ+ visibility has noticeably improved over the years, with tv shows and films now featuring all LGBTQ+ characters and cast members. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best LGBTQ+ content currently available, with a coming soon section on what to look out for in 2022. Check out the questions and thought prompts we’ve put together and join the discussion on the Padlet.
LGBTQ+ History month reading list on MS Teams
Reading list for ‘Art in Politics’ related topics recommended by University of Brighton libraries team. If you would like to add any resources to this list or to start a discussion around any of the resources please join the MS Team.
Brighton Memorial – Harry Hillery, Grand Parade Café
The Brighton AIDS Memorial exhibition will be displayed throughout February at Grande Parade Café. Curated by Harry Hillery, who started the Brighton AIDS Memorial on Instagram because he felt with each passing year Brighton & Hove stories were fading away like photos left out in the sun. He was concerned that just a list of forgotten names forever bound to the virus and death would remain. The exhibition seeks to provide a space where loved ones lost to AIDS related illness can be remembered through stories, anecdotes, and photos to be sure they are never forgotten. If you would like to add something please post on the Brighton Aids Memorial – MS Teams channel.
Past events you may have missed
3 Feb 10.00 – 11.30 – Active Bystander Training – Book online, staff only.
All staff can sign up for this free training which will help them be a better ally. ‘Active Bystander’ is an innovative and award-winning training session which gives staff the skills to challenge unacceptable behaviours, including those which may have become normalised over time. This may include things like micro-aggressions, discriminatory behaviours or comments, and other inappropriate behaviours toward other people. More dates are available after LGBTQ+ history month.
For Ariel Chapman it all started with a gay kiss on Emmerdale. For Jendrik Sigwart, he just pushed it aside and didn’t think he liked sex. For Sarah Aston it was the moment her headmaster put a condom on a cucumber. We often talk about ‘coming out’ but what about the bit before, when we have to come out to ourselves? This talk by podcast host Ariel Chapman goes through some of the stories shared on the ‘When Did You Know?’ podcast and whilst our origin stories are as diverse as our community what do these formative moments have in common which we can all learn from?
11 Feb 13.00 – 13.45 Franko Figueiredo: Out On An Island – The Untold Heritage – Event on MS Teams
In this workshop, participants will learn about Out On An Island, the research project StoneCrabs Theatre carried out on the Isle of Wight unearthing 100 years of hidden history as well as tackle 3 main points: How the development of LGBTQ+ Rights connected to local folk on the Isle of Wight mirrors what was happening nationally & internationally? Why is an understanding of the impact of identity important? How does knowledge and visibility of LGBT communities help us understand pluralism?
This Valentine’s Day, why not give yourself the gift of poetry & creativity. Come take a break at this casual creative café. We’ll watch/listen to a short video-poem about LGBTQ+ romance, have a chat about it and then have the chance to respond creatively in our own ways. Bring yourself, your curiosity and a cuppa. All are welcome, no experience/knowledge of poetry necessary and no pressure to contribute. You are welcome to come along and simply listen if you prefer.
An overview of the Sussex Gay Liberation Front 1971–76: they gave Brighton its first demonstration for gay rights, the first Gay Pride march and started the phone-based support service that became Brighton Gay Switchboard. Made up of a fascinating cast of characters, there are connections to Duncan Grant, Lewes Prison and even Dr Who. Less than 5 years after partial decriminalisation they were bravely visible, challenging the status quo, and, in essence, building a community out of Brighton’s LGBTIQ+ individuals.
Robin Coleman • 31 January 2022
