Hey, my name is Nic and I am your Liberation Officer for 2021-22.
Every year, LGBTQ+ History Month highlights how long and vast the history of the LGBTQ+ community is, and this year continues that trend. The LGBTQ+ community has long shown a commitment to community organising and groundwork to show the strength of a community that has needed, and continues to need, a strong sense of togetherness.
In the past year, visibility of the community has grown in all areas across the world, however this has come through both positive and negative lenses. There are more LGBTQ+ characters in media, more LGBTQ+ representation in politics worldwide and a real push on awareness of issues affecting those in the community. On the other end of the spectrum, there is a push against the rights of the community on a wider social and legislative level and hate crimes against the community have risen by large percentages.
As we are introduced to and reminded of people and events that have had an impact on the community, it’s important to hold onto the lessons that these impacts and advancements weren’t possible without community and solidarity. For those outside of the community, learning about the history of LGBTQ+ rights can bring new understanding of what is needed for group advancement and for those in the community, we have a chance to see what has been achieved for us to exist as we do.
There isn’t full liberation yet but by continuing to celebrate our history, we are able to remind society that the community will continue to advocate for itself and others through solidarity and community. Our history shows us that change is possible and the best way to honour that is to take the lessons of solidarity and liberation to inspire allies and wider society to advocate for better for all.
Upcoming Events
Art and Activism
Wed 09 February 2022 14:00-14:45
Following the theme of LGBTQ+ History Month this year (Politics in Art), we will be holding a campaign session around art. Find out about the role of art in activism past, and present, while learning tactics you can use to make change. Students who register and attend will get a free pair of rainbow laces.
In Conversation with Ben Peachy
RESCHEDULE DATE TBC
Join freelance writer, fashion critic, and LGBTQ+ Activist Ben Pechey as they discuss their upcoming publication The Book of Non-Binary Joy, body positivity, gender, activism, climate change and everything else between.
Ben is a writer, speaker, content creator, LGBTQIA Advocate, and soon to be Author! They have worked with major brands such as Amazon Prime, Oliver Bonas, Matalan and many more. They uplift and educate through media; with their website benpechey.com, The Happy Place podcast, and legendary Instagram Stories. They have had words in print and online for Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, The Guardian and many more.
Pronoun Badge Stall - SU Square
Mon 21 February 13:00-14:00 and Fri 25 February 13:00-14:00
Come to the SU Square and collect a pronoun badge! Neo-Pronouns also included.
Contemporary Television, Gender, Sexuality and Decolonising the Arts 
Wed 23 February 2022
Join us for a discussion with Dr Zoe Shacklock and Dr Ana Sol Gonzalez Rueda from the St Andrews Gender Institute as they dive into their research and how it relates to queerness and decolonising.
Content notices
- Nudity
- Discussions about racism
Ruby Rare: Queer Sex Ed Class
Mon 28 Feb 2022 19:00-20:00
Online Event
Ruby Rare is a pink-haired sex educator, author, and public speaker on a mission to get people talking more confidently and inclusively about sex. Her work is influenced by her experiences as a queer, non-monogamous, dual-heritage person.
Ruby is bringing her queer sex ed class to the students of Leicester. Even in 2022, m
ainstream sex ed leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to inclusive and informative queer sex education. That's where Ruby comes in! Ruby will be exploring all the topics they didn't teach you about at school.