February is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans plus (LGBT+) History Month.
It’s been happening since 2005 to raise awareness of prejudice against LGBT+ people whilst also celebrating the positive contribution that LGBT+ people bring to workplaces and in the community.
If your branch, employer or local community group is doing something then please let us know so we can add it to our calendar, please contact Ben King (Regional LGBT+ Network Co-Chair) by emailing Ben.King@northantsunison.co.uk
Lincolnshire
The University of Lincoln are running a Trans Awareness workshop, History and Terminology workshop, a Research seminar on ‘homosexual aversion therapy’ in the 1950s to the 1970s, and a talk about the development of a “LGBT+ Online Inclusivity Toolkit”. All the details, including dates, can be found here.
The UNISON University of Lincoln branch are holding a session entitled “Introduction to LGBTQ+ Allyship workshop from Stonewall” on Monday 28th February, between 11am to 12.30pm. For queries or to book your place, please contact Joy Knight by emailing jknight@lincoln.ac.uk
Northamptonshire
The Unitary authorities’ LGBT+ Staff Network, made up of employees at North Northants Council, West Northants Council and Northamptonshire Children’s Trust, have organised the following:-
An exhibition of artwork hosted at Towcester Library. You can drop-in throughout the month to visit. For any queries, please email Towcester.LibraryPlus@westnorthants.gov.uk
Raising the rainbow flag at council buildings.
Leicestershire
At the University of Leicester, there is a “Campaigning Using the Arts” workshop, a talk with Ben Pechey who is freelance writer, fashion critic and LGBT+ activist, a discussion with gender studies lecturers from the University of St Andrews, and the launching a photo campaign. Full info can be found on their website.
De Montford University in Leicester have a quiz night, a social ramble around LGBT+ spots in the city centre, a film night at The Phoenix, an intersectional bi panel discussion, as well as linking up with Leicester Comedy Festival for a Gay Comedy night, and much more. Please visit the website for further information.
Leicestershire Police are raising various LGBT+ flags on certain dates and changing the lights at the front of their headquarters to Rainbow, Bi and Trans colours.
Nottinghamshire
Charnwood Council have run some 20 minute LGBT+ awareness training sessions for their staff.
The University of Nottingham have the theme of “unmuting ourselves” to raise up and amplify the voices of the LGBT+ community and educate themselves about LGBT+ issues. If you go their website then you will find out about their exhibition, reading group, film screenings, and seminars.
The Regional LGBT+ Network is a Self Organised Group (SOG) to bring together LGBT+ members from across the East Midlands to discuss workplace issues and organise campaigns. The network/SOG commends all of the activities taking place in branches to mark LGBT+ History Month and encourages UNISON members to support them.
If you are would like to become active in the Regional LGBT+ Network, or are interested in finding out more, please contact Sean Kelly-Walsh (Secretary to the network) by emailing S.Kelly-Walsh@unison.co.uk
Find out more about the story of LGBT+ History Month and how you can get involved by visiting their official site here.