Headshot of Equality and Diversity Officer Laila Fletcher

An introduction from Laila, your Equality & Diversity Officer 2020-21

Welcome to LGBTQ+ History Month 2021!

Hope you’re all eager for LGBTQ+ History Month at LUU. We’ve had some challenges this month with the conditions of the current pandemic, but we understand and acknowledge how important this history month is, not only to our members, but our global community!

We’ll be keeping the campaign page active with all the events societies are putting together, plus the range or resources and events we have for you.

I’m really excited for our LibCo Quiz, QTIPOC Video produced by Alumni members of QTIPOC Society, and LUU’s guide to Leeds!

We know how important the month is to you all, and we hope that LUU encourages you to find your sense of belonging with us, even if that’s online. I hope you find that this month celebrates you and empowers you.

An introduction from your Liberation Coordinators 2020-21

We’re so excited to bring you LGBTQ+ History Month 2021! Whilst the current lockdown has certainly given us some challenges to get around, we can’t wait to celebrate the month with you. This month’s celebration for LGBT+ History Month will bring lots of exciting events, where we hope to celebrate LGBTQ+ lives, fundraise for LGBTQ+ causes and learn more about LGBTQ+ experiences!

We’re really thrilled for our Quiz that we’re hosting at the end of the month, the Zoom Quiz will have a variety of different LGBTQ+ themed questions, from history to pop culture, and we hope you can all join us! There will also be a really exciting prize, so keep your eyes peeled for the sign up form.

Lots of our LUU societies have been busy planning for the month too, from Medieval Society to Women’s Rugby Union, there are lots of brilliant events and fundraisers to attend or be a part of. Outside of the Union, Yorkshire MESMAC are hosting training sessions and events on LGBTQ+ Awareness and A short history to HIV in LGBTQ+ communities in Yorkshire, Yorkshire MESMAC have been working with LGBTQ+ People and those with HIV for 30 years, making them the perfect people to hear from, make sure to sign up so you don’t miss out.

We’re also eager to show you the different resources we’ve accumulated for this month, including LGBTQ+ books and films, an LGBTQ+ guide to Leeds as well as help & support groups and community & campaigning groups! We hope you will get a lot of use out of them and that they will help you celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with us!

LGBTQ+ History Month Resources and Links

  • The national LGBT+ History Month website has loads of great resources
  • Film & TV Recommendations
    • It’s A Sin (TV show – found on Channel 4)
    • Pride
    • Moonlight
  • Book Recommendations from your Liberation Coordinators
    • Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
    • The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson
    • The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily Danforth
    • I’ll Give you the Sun by Jandy Nelson
    • The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli

Community Support & Action Groups

  • African Rainbow Family: A support group for those of African heritage, refugees and wider BAME groups.
  • Leeds Bi Group: A social and support group for the bisexual community, open to anyone over 18.
  • LGBT+ Community Hub: This Leeds City Council group gets together quarterly to work towards an inclusive city.
  • Leeds Survivor LGBT Support Group: This group is for anyone in the LGBTQ+ community or questioning their identity.
  • LUU LGBT+ Society: Here for all LGBTQ+ students, they hold coffee hours, social events and nights out.
  • LUU QTIPOC Society: A society for queer, trans and intersex people of colour. Join for social events and coffee hours throughout the year.
  • SAGE – Supporting Older LGBT People: A project tackling the social isolation faced by older LGBTQ+ people (50+).
  • Yorkshire O.P.E.N.: A monthly discussion and support group for people in or curious about ethically non-monogamous relationships.
  • Yorkshire Trans* Choir: Meet up and sing twice a month on Wednesdays from 7:30pm-9:30pm. Search for them on Facebook.
  • Leeds LGBT+ Book Club: A reading group that discusses LGBT+ fiction, non-fiction and poetry.
  • MESMAC Non-Binary Leeds: A peer-led support and social group for non-binary people.

Help & Support

  • LGBT Switchboard: Talk in confidence to the switchboard about anything that is on your mind. They are on the phones from 10am-10pm. 0300 330 0630
  • LUU Help & Support: The team is still available in the LUU building as well as online for private, expert advice.
  • LGBT+ Domestic Violence Helpline: Provides confidential support for both you and your family. Womensaid.org.uk
  • Touchstone: Popular with the LGBTQ+ community for mental health support.