February is LGBT History Month
Posted on 7 February 2017
The University is providing a wide range of events focused on the history of LGBT people as a part of York LGBT History Month. LGBT stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans, but includes all non-normative or marginalised gender, romantic and sexual identities and intersex people. Our events reflect this diversity.
By devoting a month to LGBT history we celebrate people and achievements that have traditionally been ignored, raise awareness of LGBT identities and issues, and broaden public understanding of the complex nature of gender, sex, and romantic and sexual orientation.
With nearly 50 events offered city-wide on the theme of Law, Citizenship and PSHE there are dozens of opportunities to engage.
A full listing of events is available on the York LGBT History Month website.
Here are just a few of the highlights:
Breaking out of the straight jacket: Mental health and the LGBT community
Location: Ron Cooke Hub auditorium, Campus East
Date: Thursday 9 February, 6.30pm
A talk by Matthew Todd, former editor of Attitude, on his novel, Straight Jacket, a revolutionary clarion call for gay men, the wider LGBT community, their friends and family. Part memoir, part ground-breaking polemic, it looks beneath the shiny facade of contemporary gay culture and asks if gay people are as happy as they could be – and if not, why not?
National Festival of LGBT history: Yorkshire hub
Location: Marriott Room, York Explore Library and Archives
Date: Saturday 11 February, 10.30am-4.30pm
York Explore Library and Archive will play host to a fascinating variety of free talks on all aspects of LGBT history. Visitors can drop in throughout the day to discover hidden stories and forgotten heroes, and to find out about the other exciting events taking place throughout the month of February. Hot drinks, snacks and lunch will be available to purchase from the café.
No booking required. Contact Kit Heyam (info@yorklgbthistory.org.uk) for more information.
Mind Your Head discussion group
Location: James Lodge, James College
Date: Thursday 16 February, 5.30pm-6.30pm
YUSU, the Graduate Students Association and Mind Your Head combine to bring you a chaired discussion group around mental health in the LGBTQ community. Topics may include: coming out, loneliness and coping with harassment.
No booking required. Contact Annis Stead (as799@york.ac.uk) for more information.
Going to Strasbourg: Oral history accounts of sexual orientation discrimination and the European Court of Human Rights
Location: P/T/006, Physics Exhibition Centre
Date: Thursday 16 February, 6.15pm
Paul Johnson (Professor of Sociology, University of York) draws upon oral history interviews conducted with LGBT people who have challenged discrimination in the UK by making applications to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).
LGBTQ Social go to National Student Pride
Date: Friday 24 February to Sunday 26 February
Location: London
National Student Pride is a national annual event targeted at LGBTQ Students, based in London, which brings together students from all over the country. It is centred around a daytime festival with panels, an LGBTQ-specific job fair, a performance stage and more; accompanied by a whole weekend of club nights, parties, cinema screenings and events.
LGBTQ and International discussion
Location: TBA
Date: Tuesday 28 February
A day of events, workshops, seminars and screenings hosted by the University of York Students’ Union LGBTQ Network and International Students Association’s Global Week.
For tickets and further inforation, contact Jaz Millar (lgbtq@yusu.org).