The rainbow flag will be raised over Firth Court by the University of Sheffield for the month of February in support of LGBT+ History Month.
The campaign is going ahead this year with the theme Body, Mind, Spirit and will be sparking events to remember the impactful history of LGBT+ across the country and here in Sheffield.
Professor Gill Valentine, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Senior LGBT+ Champion at the University said: “Although LGBT+ History Month may feel different to previous celebrations, we proudly continue to celebrate and raise awareness of the diverse history, culture and perspectives of LGBT+ people.”
The University of Sheffield will be joining many other institutions across the country who are holding events throughout the month to continue the education of LGBT+ history each year. Events such as book clubs, ‘Exploring the history and experiences of LGBT+ parents’ and a talk from LGBT+ member of staff Professor Duncan Cameron will take place over the coming weeks.
Professor Valentine said: “Our events programme for February, is the start of how we can shape and inform a more holistic approach to bring about positive change for our LGBT+ community at the University.”
LGBT+ History month was adopted by the UK for the first time in 2005 following the repeal of Section 28 of the Local Government Act in 2003. The purpose of Section 28 was to ‘prohibit the promotion of homosexuality’ through publication and teaching in schools.
Margaret Thatcher, the Prime Minister at the time Section 28 was instated, said in a speech: “Children who need to be taught to respect traditional moral values are being taught that they have an inalienable right to be gay. All of those children are being cheated of a sound start in life.”
A study from May 2020 done by the LGBT Foundation has shown the effects of the pandemic on LGBT+ people with 42% wanting access to support for their mental health making this year’s LGBT+ history month more vital than ever.
Gemma Halliwell, co-chair of the LGBT+ Staff Network at the University said: “It is an opportunity to learn more about the history of LGBT+ rights; to hear from members of the LGBT+ community about their experiences and also, to reflect on where there is still work to do and progress to be made.”