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Turning the spotlight on diversity in LGBT history month

The University of Birmingham is hosting a series of events to mark Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans (LGBT) History Month.

University of Birmingham Aston Webb building

The University of Birmingham is hosting a series of events to mark Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans (LGBT) History Month. 

LGBT month takes place in February each year and celebrates the lives and achievements of the LGBT community; it offers the opportunity to learn more about the histories of LGBT people. 

The University of Birmingham is engaged in cutting edge research into gender theory, LGBT and queer studies and feminism. It is at the forefront of activism and social justice work. As a national leader in diversity and LGBT research the University is offering more events than any other institution in the West Midlands.

The University has a diverse programme planned to celebrate the LGBT community with events ranging from film nights, talks, coffee afternoons and performances taking place across campus.

Events include a behind the scenes tour of the Cadbury Research Library to see LGBT related rare books and archives. A Seminar from University of Birmingham academics features new research from the University into how our curriculum can better reflect the diversity of our students. Professor R. B. Parkinson (University of Oxford) is to present a ground-breaking LGBT history project from the British Museum which traces images from ancient Egyptian papyri to modern images and discusses how museums should depict same sex experiences. The weekly University LGBT coffee afternoon is open to all to attend throughout the month as are film showings, performances, mentoring sessions and talks. 

For a full list of events at the University of Birmingham please visit the dedicated webpage.

Professor Adam Tickell, Provost and Vice-Principal commented: ‘The University is proud of its diverse staff and student bodies and recognises the significant impact LGBTQ people have had on the University, both as a research institution and a welcoming place to work. We have designated 2013-14 as the year of Advancing Equality in Employment and LGBT History Month will provide the perfect forum for us to celebrate our diverse workforce, showcase our research into LGBTQ issues and highlight the University’s commitment to its equality objectives.’

For more information please contact Faye Jackson, University of Birmingham Press Office, 0121 414 6029 or f.e.a.jackson@bham.ac.uk