In February 2024, the University celebrated LGBT+ History Month, and the theme this year was Medicine #UnderTheScope.

The University’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Team had the pleasure of co-organising a number of events for staff, students and the wider public to commemorate great contributions and raise awareness for issues facing the LGBT+ Community. We held a history walk of campus and a session with our data analysts focusing on LGBT+ statistics in the workplace and beyond. We also welcomed an art exhibition depicting trans experiences of homelessness.

It was a pleasure to collaborate with Manchester Museum and our BAME network on a film screening of ‘Under Your Nose’, about the UK’s first Black Gay and Lesbian Centre. We were joined by the film’s director, Veronica McKenzie, for a Q&A session. Discussion touched on what it was like to be LGBT+ and black in London in the 1980s and how to build solidarity amongst marginalised communities.

As we wave goodbye to February, we look forward to future LGBT+ commemorative dates this year.

• Sunday 31 March – Transgender Day of Visibility
• Saturday 6 April – International Asexual Day
• Friday 26 April – Lesbian Visibility Day
• Friday 17 May – International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Lesbaphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBLIT)
• Saturday 1 – Sunday 30 June – Pride Month
• Sunday 14 July – International Non-Binary People’s Day
• Friday 23 – Monday 26 August – Manchester Pride Weekend.

As with LGBT+ History Month, the EDI Team will be making plans to mark these dates across a variety of platforms, in line with our strategy. Everyone’s input and attendance is encouraged. Watch this space!

We also encourage you to check out the websites of local LGBT+ Foundations to see how they will commemorate the dates and learn more about their work. The Proud Trust and LGBT Foundation.