The University of Surrey is proud of its diverse staff and student communities and recognises the significant contribution that LGBTQIA+ people make to the University.
Celebrating LGBT+ History Month is an important part of our commitment to supporting LGBTQIA+ equality amongst our staff, students and the wider community.
Here at Surrey, we are celebrating LGBT+ History Month throughout February 2023 with a diverse programme of free events and activities, organised by University of Surrey staff and the Students’ Union, for all our staff and students.
We will also be flying our new Progress Pride Flag over the Piazza throughout the month.
Events and opportunities for all
LGBT+ History Month launch event
Thursday 2 February 2023
12:30 – 14:00 GMT
Oak Suite 1 and 2, Stag Hill Campus
Come and socialise over tea, coffee and rainbow cupcakes and to hear about the events that will be taking place throughout the month.
Quakers in Britain and LGBT+ History
Tuesday 7 February 2023
16:00 - 18:00 GMT
Oak Suite 1 and 2, Stag Hill Campus
Learn about the Quaker faith and their fight for LGBT+ rights in the UK, and key events in LGBT+ history which Quakers in Britain have influenced.
Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash
Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash
Queer Pronouns in Literature
Thursday 16 February 2023
15:30 – 17:30 GMT
Oak Suite 1 and 2, Stag Hill Campus
Discover the history of queer pronouns in literature and take part in a workshop on how to approach pronouns in teaching and learning.
Sex, Gender and Sexualities: Research & teaching
Monday 20 February 2023,
16:00 – 18:00 GMT
Oak Suite 1 and 2, Stag Hill Campus
Join us for the launch of our new Sex, Gender and Sexualities MSc and delve into the research and practices of those teaching the programme.
LGBT+ History Month Library display
From the week commencing 6 February, the Library EDI team will have a book display and presentation, provided by the Library Archives and Special Collections team, within the Library. Please do come along and take a look. It will be in the Library until the end of the month.
Treat yourself to a delicious rainbow cupcake on campus
Available at all of our coffee shops on campus throughout February.
Student events and opportunities
Photo by Jiroe (Matia Rengel) on Unsplash
Photo by Jiroe (Matia Rengel) on Unsplash
Join the LGBT Student Society
The LGBT Student Society, run by the Students Union, is a fun open 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 Liberation 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.
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash
LGBT+ Book giveaway
Friday 3 February 2023
The Library will be giving away five books on their Instagram account @surreylib. Simply like, comment or tag other students on our posts to enter.
Photo by russn_fckr on Unsplash
Photo by russn_fckr on Unsplash
The SU's Glitterbomb event
Saturday 11 February 2023
23:00 GMT
Rubix, Stag Hill Campus
Photo by Aditya Chinchure on Unsplash
Photo by Aditya Chinchure on Unsplash
The SU's Glitterbomb x Citrus - Rainbow Rave event
Wednesday 15 February 2023
22:30 - 02:00 GMT
Rubix, Stag Hill campus
Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash
Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash
The SU's Sexual Health and Guidance (SHAG) Day
Tuesday 21 February 2023
11:00 – 15:00 GMT
Location: TBC
The SU's LGBT+ Crafternoon event
Thursday 23 February 2023
14:00 – 16:00 GMT
Location: TBC
Student support and advice
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.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
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.
Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash
Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash
Join the LGBTQIA+ Equality Network
Join the LGBTQIA+ Equality Network and work together with staff across the University to further equality for staff, students and the wider community.
Visit SurreyNet for more information and how to join.
Photo by Carlos de Toro @carlosdetoro on Unsplash
Photo by Carlos de Toro @carlosdetoro on Unsplash
Join the Rainbow Network
The Rainbow Network offers a supportive environment for all LGBTQIA+ staff. Join the group to network and help organise University-wide community events.
To join please contact Chair of the Network: Sean Langton
Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash
Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash
Become a Rainbow Ally
Become an Ally and demonstrate your commitment to the University’s LGBTQIA+ community through agreeing to a set of 10 pledges and completing the 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 Brooke Cagle on Unsplash
Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash
Unconscious Bias workshop
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 unconscious bias and the impact it can have on our community.
Visit SurreyNet to register your place.
Information and advice for parents
If you are looking for some guidance on how to create conversations with your children about LGBT+ History Month and on lifting gender stereotypes, Bright Horizons Nursery have created some useful resources which offer you lots of support and advice.
Take a look at the resources below:
Find out more about your local Bright Horizons Nursery by visiting Guildford Bright Horzions' website.
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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