Monday 10-02-2025 - 10:21

Voices of Pride - from Stonewall to Today

February is LGBTQ+ History Month in the UK. This year's theme is activism and social change, and we warmly invite you to join us in celebrating and recognising the achievements of the LGBTQ+ community.

Video of Maria introducing our LGBTQ+ History Month Exhibitions for 2025, view on YouTube.

"Hi everyone! I’m excited to launch this year’s LGBTQ+ History Month campaign with the Students' Union. It's more than just celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride - it’s also a time to reflect on progress, honour the resilience of those before us, and commit to the work needed to achieve equality and inclusion.

This year's theme is activism and social change, and we’re going to be hosting a panel discussion with guest speakers from NUS Liberation and CETMA, a queer book scavenger hunt, and an online exhibit highlighting individuals who resonate with me along with the 2025 LGBTQ+ Historical Figures list for this year

I invite you to engage with this campaign, share your perspective, or reflect on allyship and inclusion. Together, let’s celebrate how far we’ve come, support those still fighting for their rights, and let's create a future where everyone can live authentically."

Maria Dinu, Group President

Online Exhibition

These individuals were chosen for the LGBTQ+ History Month online exhibition because of their significant contributions to social justice, equality, and human rights. Each played a vital role in shaping history, whether through activism, advocacy, or reform, and their legacies continue to inspire positive changes today!

• Marsha P. Johnson was a transgender activist who fought for LGBTQ+ rights, particularly for the most marginalised within the community (LGBTQ+ homeless youth and sex workers).
• Bayard Rustin bridged civil rights and LGBTQ+ activism, demonstrating the power of intersectional advocacy.
• Octavia Hill revolutionised social housing and urban planning, ensuring access to dignified living conditions.
• Ivor Cummings supported Windrush migrants, fostering racial and social inclusion.
• Annie Kenney championed women's suffrage, highlighting the intersection of gender and class struggles.
• Charlie Kiss advocated for transgender rights and shared his personal journey to inspire resilience.
• Olaudah Equiano exposed the brutal realities of slavery, using his voice to drive abolitionist efforts.

These figures were selected to showcase the diversity of activism across history, highlighting the importance of fighting for justice in all its forms. Their stories encourage students to engage with social issues, challenge discrimination, and build a more inclusive world.

---

Queer Literature Book Scavenger Hunt

We're giving away copies of From Prejudice to Pride and A Journey Through Time: The Story of LGBTQ+ History. All six of our campuses will have a copy of the books that will be wrapped up in Pride-themed wrapping paper and tucked away on campuses for you to discover. Head to our Instagram, where we'll be sharing clues on how to find them on our stories.

---

Panel Discussion: LGBTQ+ Future and Activism

We are wrapping up LGBTQ+ History Month with a panel discussion where Maria will lead a discussion alongside guest speakers around LGBTQ+ rights, healthcare, mental health, accessibility and inclusive practices. The discussion will be published later this month on our YouTube channel.