The University of Surrey is proud of its diverse community. Celebrating LGBT+ History Month is a part of our commitment to supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals and building a culture of equality and inclusion amongst our staff, students and the wider community.
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LGBT+ History Month is a vital opportunity to honour the past, celebrate the present, and envision a future where diversity and inclusion thrive. This year’s theme is ‘Activism and Social Change’ and it reminds us of the courage of those who fought for equality and of the work still needed to achieve true inclusion. Let’s take this year’s LGBTQ+ History Month celebration as the opportunity to commit to a more inclusive future."
Events for all
Uncovering LGBT+ Voices in our Archive Collections
Runs throughout February until the end of March 2025
Library Ground Floor entrance, Stag Hill Campus
Visit the Archive Team's new display, aimed at uncovering some of the LGBT+ voices that can be found within their collections. Some of these voices are anonymous, some shout loud and clear and there are others that are completely missing or undiscovered. Do take a look when you are next visiting the Library.
‘Sorry I Hurt Your Son (Said My Ex to My Mum)’ by James Barr
Monday 10 February 2025
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Rex Doyle Studio, Ivy Arts Centre, Stag Hill Campus
Get your ticket to watch critically-acclaimed James Barr's comedic yet heartfelt exploration of recovering from an abusive relationship.
Co-Producing Pride in Nature – Project Presentation and Art Showcase
Tuesday 18 February 2025
2:00pm
01 TB 00, Stag Hill Campus
This event will present the aims of the project titled ‘Co-Producing Pride in Nature: Supporting Land-Owners and Managers to Achieve LGBTQ+ inclusivity’ led by the School of Psychology in collaboration with Blossom LGBT and Surrey Wildlife Trust. The event will also showcase the art produced by members of the LGBTQ+ community in two art workshops, assessing their experiences of local spaces and barriers to accessing nature.
No registration required.
Queer Time Travel: Explore Guildford's LGBTQIA+ Past
Wednesday 26 February 2025
3:30pm
Bridge in front of the White House pub in Guildford
In this partially self-guided journey through Guildford's history, you can meet the queer elders and 'trancestors' that have shaped the town throughout the centuries. Meet poet Edward Carpenter and his partner George Merrill, who are buried together in the Mount Cemetery, or find out about what brought Anne Lister, aka Gentleman Jack, to Guildford.
No registration required.
Student Curator Project
Launches on Monday 17 February 2025
1:00pm
Library First Floor, Stag Hill Campus
Your Students' Union is collaborating with LGBTQ Soc and the Library to bring you a Student Curator Project to celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month. Come check out our display in the Library First Floor with book recommendations, blogs and an insightful presentation. You can also enter our prize draw for a book giveaway!
Rainbow bake sale
Monday 24 February 2025
From 11:00am
Outside Co-op, Stag Hill Campus
Drop by the Students' Union's bake sale, outside the Co-op, to pick up a rainbow cupcake! All proceeds are going to Blossom LGBT, which is a charity supporting and empowering LGBTQIA+ young adults.
Recognising LGBT+ History Month reminds us of the power of visibility and the importance of listening to marginalised voices. By educating ourselves and others, we create a foundation for solidarity, allyship, and meaningful change."
Grab yourself a delicious treat
Rainbow cake, 'Rainbow roots' vegetable crisps and a special hot chocolate with rainbow sprinkles will be available at all of our coffee shops on campus and Hillside Food Court throughout February.
Head over to Wates for a delicious 'Stone Throw Cocktail', containing Tequila, Aperol, Cranberry and Passionfruit juice!
Student events and opportunities
Join the LGBT+ Student Society
The LGBT Student Society, run by the Students' Union, is a fun, open and relaxed society, where you can come along and meet some new people whilst participating in our weekly events! Anyone can join (you don’t have to be queer), so don’t be afraid and say hi.
Join the Student Equality Network
The network, run by the Students' Union, ensures that everyone is represented at Surrey and that their voice is heard. Join the group of student volunteers and take part in activities to help break down barriers that students from liberation groups face at University.
Free Pronouns badge available for all
Head to the Students' Union reception and pick up a free pronouns badge.
Wearing a pronoun badge, and encouraging others to, helps to normalise the non-assumption of pronouns, which reduces the frequency with which trans people are misgendered. Wearing a badge is an effective act of allyship with the trans community and for trans people, pronoun badges are also an important tool to facilitate sharing their pronouns.
Glitterbomb - The Traitors
Saturday 8 February 2025
11:00pm - 3:00am
Rubix, Stag Hill Campus
Gather your allies, clock the snakes, and prepare to SLAY (or betray!) as Glitterbomb returns to Rubix!
Inspired by the drama, deceit, and jaw-dropping twists of The Traitors, this is your moment to werk your way to the top and snatch Glitterbomb glory.
Counsellor pop-up
Tuesday 25 February 2025
1st floor Library, Stag Hill Campus
Meet with Steve Elliot, counsellor at the Centre for Wellbeing, for an informal chat about mental health in minority communities.
Movie night - Pride (2014)
Friday 28 February 2025
6:00pm
LTA
Join us for a movie night!
Based on a true story, Pride depicts a group of lesbian and gay activists who raised money to help families affected by the British miners' strike in 1984.
All students are welcome - no registration required.
LGBT+ History Month is a reminder of those that had the courage to be themselves before us, and their stories light the path toward a more inclusive and equitable world. Honouring LGBT+ History Month celebrates the victories the community has made, and inspires a future where love, identity, and equality is accepted and embraced by all."
Chat with a member of our Support Services team
If you would like to speak with someone about something that is worrying you, or if you would like some support and advice, you can chat with either a member of our Centre for Wellbeing team, our Chaplaincy team or with a Peer Supporter.
Support from local charities and organisations
Local charities and organisations can offer a range of advice, support and information to those that may need it. You can learn more via the links below:
Staff opportunities
Wear a rainbow lanyard
Wear a rainbow lanyard and show your support for all aspects of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) not just support for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Please contact Michael Hassell to request a lanyard.
Join the Rainbow Staff Network
The Rainbow Staff Network offers a supportive environment for all LGBTQIA+ staff. Join the group to network, help organise events and further equality for staff, students and the wider community.
To join please contact Chair of the Network: Fabio Fasoli
Become a Rainbow Ally
Become an Ally and demonstrate your commitment to the University’s LGBTQIA+ community through agreeing to a set of four pledges and completing the LGBTQIA+ training.
For more information please email edi@surrey.ac.uk
LGBTQIA+ Awareness Training
The workshop is designed to build your knowledge and confidence to feel more well informed around the LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Intersex, Asexual plus) community, and confident in supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Visit SurreyNet for further information and to book your place.
Photo by Dylan Gillis on Unsplash
Photo by Dylan Gillis on Unsplash
Anti-Bias Training
Every day, in every interaction with people, we constantly make judgments about who, what, where and why. Our unconscious thoughts and interpretations happen much quicker than our conscious ones. In this workshop we will explore many forms of bias and the impact they can have on our community.
Visit SurreyNet to register your place.
New Surrey Pride merchandise including hoodies and t-shirts are available on the Surrey Store
Get 20% discount on any item purchased at the Refreshers Fair on Tuesday 6 February or visit the Hillside Food Court, the Hideout or online Surrey Store to purchase items.
Blog - Research for Change: Sex, Gender, and Sexuality Research Group
The theme of LGBT History Month 2025, ‘Activism and Social Change,’ aligns closely with the work of the Sex, Gender, and Sexuality (SGS) Research Group at the University of Surrey. This group conducts transformative research addressing societal issues, aiming at dismantling barriers faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals, and understanding social change. Its interdisciplinary approach integrates diverse perspectives, methodologies, and historical contexts to provide nuanced insights into LGBTQIA+ experiences.
Reflecting on LGBTQ+ Histories and Activism
LGBTQIA+ history spans centuries, as evident in literature and cultural narratives. Research by Amy Morgan and Diane Watt explores queer medieval literature and culture, while Lena Mattheis’s work highlights the historical use of nonbinary pronouns, challenging the notion that they are a modern phenomenon. These studies underscore the importance of understanding LGBTQIA+ lived experiences across different historical periods to contextualize contemporary issues.
The work of Katherine Hubbard and David Griffiths illustrates how societal and legislative changes, coupled with activism, have shaped LGBTQIA+ narratives. David Griffiths explores the historical treatment of intersex individuals and collaborates with intersex activists to demonstrate the continued importance of talking about intersex. Similarly, Katherine Hubbard examines the contributions of queer feminist activists to social change and how historical rhetoric influences contemporary debates, such as those surrounding conversion therapy.
Linguistic empowerment is another avenue for activism. Fabio Fasoli’s research on the reclamation of homophobic language demonstrates how derogatory terms can be transformed into expressions of pride and identity. This reflective approach highlights ongoing challenges and the societal transformations that are still needed.
Amplifying LGBTQIA+ Stories and Community Voices
Documenting the history and stories of LGBTQ+ spaces is essential for preserving community narratives and fostering a sense of belonging. Lena Mattheis’s Listen Queer project (https://listenqueer.co.uk) exemplifies this effort, ensuring that the voices of LGBTQ+ individuals and their spaces are heard and remembered.
Recognising the contributions of LGBTQIA+ activists is equally vital. The FutureSex project led by David Griffiths facilitated dialogue across academic, activist, and LGBTQIA+ community spaces through events, talks, and activities. By exploring the intersections of research, activism, and lived experience, FutureSex amplified community voices and created opportunities for meaningful collaboration.
This collaborative approach extends to Andy King’s research, which addresses the housing needs of LGBTQ+ individuals. By engaging with the community and developing practical strategies to foster inclusivity, his work contributes to creating equitable and affirming living environments.
Driving Forward Activism and Research
The Sex, Gender, and Sexuality Research Group at Surrey exemplifies how academic research can help in understanding activism and social change. By addressing historical, linguistic, and structural challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals, the group advances our understanding of inclusivity and equality. Their work underscores the importance of collaboration between academia, activists, and communities in driving forward meaningful and sustainable change.
Stop the press! We are delighted to announce that Pride in Surrey 2025 will be taking place on Saturday 6 September 2025 in Guildford. The University of Surrey will proudly be in attendance - stay tuned for more details
Look out for the Progress Pride Flag flying over the Piazza throughout the month.
If you are planning to run an event or activity in support of LGBT+ History Month, please let us know via news@surrey.ac.uk so that we can build it into our promotional programme.
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