LGBTQ+ History Month
- DateSunday, 1 February 2026, 00:00 - Saturday, 28 February 2026, 23:59 (UK)
- FormatOnline and in person
LGBTQ+ History Month takes place across the UK every February to recognise and celebrate the history, achievements and cultures of LGBTQ+ communities and individuals. The University of Birmingham offers an exciting and diverse programme of events with all students, staff and the wider community warmly invited to join us in celebrating and commemorating LGBTQ+ history.
Speaking ahead of the month-long series of events, Co-Chairs of the Rainbow Network said, “We're really looking forward to another diverse and busy programme of events for the University of Birmingham's LGBTQ+ History Month. We are also spotlighting our three new social groups that launched in the last year for lesbian, bisexual and trans & non-binary members. If you are a member of staff or PGR student and would like to join the Network, please reach out at lgbtq@contacts.bham.ac.uk.”
The theme for 2026 is Science and Innovation, and our Rainbow Network Co-Chairs have praised this theme for “recognising the contribution and impact of LGBTQ+ people, especially UoB staff and PGRs working in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects, which includes talks on inclusion in anatomy teaching at the university and gender in care professions”.
Professor Nick Vaughan-Williams, Provost and Vice-Principal for the University, has added his support for LGBTQ+ History month, commenting, "At Birmingham, we take pride in our diverse community and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We are pleased to support LGBTQ+ History Month, a key part of our Equality Programme. We remain committed to highlighting the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ members of our community and celebrating their valuable contributions and achievements."
LGBTQ+ Allies Training (staff only)
Starting in February, we are launching another suite of Ally Training to help staff equip themselves with the skills and knowledge to support colleagues and students.
View training dates and sign up to LGBTQ+ Allies training
This programme is designed to enrich the experience of our students and staff, so get involved, and invite friends and colleagues to join too.
| Date | Time (GMT) | Event/Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Throughout February | All Day |
LGBTQ+ Book Display and Badges Come along to the Main Library Atrium any time throughout February to learn about LGBTQ+ contributions to the field of Science and Innovation. Find your next read to borrow, learn about LGBTQ+ scientific history, and take a badge and a sticker! |
| 2 February | 13:00 - 15:00 |
Bread & Belief: Queer Prophets of LGBTQ+ History Month Bake & eat bread in the Multifaith Chaplaincy. Discuss queer spirituality, with excerpts from The Book of Queer Prophets. |
| 2 February | 17:00 - 19:00 |
B-Film: Screening of The Favourite Join B-Film to celebrate LGBT+ history month with a film screening of The Favorite. |
| 4 February | 11:00 - 17:00 |
Find some new outfits with a clothing swap event for transgender, non-binary, genderqueer, and questioning students and staff. |
| 6 February | 13:00 - 17:00 |
Women Love Wine? - A Lespresso Social The third event in the "Lespresso" event series, which began last year, hosted by Kate Stewart. |
| 9 February | 13:00 - 14:00 |
In Conversation with Paul David Gould, author of ‘Last Dance at the Discotheque for Deviants’ Join us for an in‑person conversation with Paul David Gould, author of Last Dance at the Discotheque for Deviants. Set in 1993's Moscow, his debut novel blends mystery, history and a powerful queer coming‑of‑age story, inspired by his own experience. |
| 11 February | 13:00 - 14:00 |
The Light of Day: Rediscovering a Gay Liberation's Hero Come along for a thought-provoking conversation with Christopher Stephens, author of The Light of Day: the moving true story of the first man to come out as gay. |
| 12 February | 22:00 - 03:00 |
LGBTQ+ Association and Guild of Students: Drag Disco Come along to our Drag Disco featuring, Ruby Boy, crowd games and high-energy performances that you won’t want to miss! This is an 18+ only event (for University of Birmingham's students only). |
| 16 February | 14:00 - 15:00 |
Teaching Bodies, Not Assumptions A reflection on transgender and intersex inclusive anatomy education initiatives developed as an Anatomy Teaching Fellow at the University of Birmingham. |
| 16 February | 17:00 - 19:00 |
B-Film: The Death and Live of Marsha P Johnson Join B-Film to celebrate LGBT+ history month with a film screening of The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson. |
| 17 February | 12:30 - 13:30 | LGBTQ+ History Month MHFAider Session Join us for an MHFA session exploring LGBTQ+ mental health data, ongoing challenges and stigma, and how lived experience shapes wellbeing. |
| 17 February | 15:00 - 17:00 |
"Bi+ My Valentine" is a 'bring and share social' open to University of Birmingham staff only, who identify as part of the Bi+ umbrella. |
| 18 February | 10:00 - 11:30 | LGBTQ+ Allies Training (University of Birmingham staff only)
Starting in February, we are launching another suite of Ally Training to help staff equip themselves with the skills and knowledge to support colleagues and students. |
| 25 February | 12:00 - 12:45 | Trans, Non-binary and Gender Diverse Coffee and Chat The Rainbow Network would like to invite you to join the trans, non-binary and gender diverse social as part of our LGBTQ+ History Month events (University of Birmingham staff only). |
| 25 February | 17:00 - 19:00 |
The Rainbow Network is teaming up with the Race Equality Network this LGBTQ+ History Month for a joint film screening of Rustin. |
| 26 February | 12:00 - 13:00 |
Gendered Care: Stereotypes and Ideas Around Caring Masculinities A reflective talk on why care remains gendered, how masculinity stereotypes shape young people’s choices, and what LGBTQ+ histories reveal about caring masculinities. |