Celebration of LGBT+ History Month 2022 in Oxford
In February, the University of Oxford marked LGBT+ History Month with a range of educational initiatives, academic discussions, and historical commemorations. The month-long celebration included stories, events, resources, and support for the LGBT+ community and its allies.
On Tuesday 1st February, St Edmund Hall hosted an event titled "50 Years of Pride: In Conversation with Dan Glass and Sergey Khazov-Cassia". Meanwhile, the Bodleian exhibition 'The Full Picture' featured a portrait of Christ Church alum Jan Morris.
On Wednesday 2nd February, Baroness Ruth Hunt spoke at Oriel College on "Accommodation or Transformation? LGBT Inclusion in the Christian Faith". The following day, the Samaritans, available 24/7, offered support to those in need, with their helpline number being 116 123.
Dr Christian Thompson AO, a former Oxford University student, explored notions of identity, cultural hybridity, and history in various events. The story "We Have Always Been Here: Michael Dillon and Transmasculinity in Pre-War Oxford" was also available.
For those in difficult family situations, resources such as LGBTQ+ And In A Difficult Family Situation? By Fumble and the Oxford University LGBTQ+ Society provided valuable support. The University of Oxford Counselling Service, LGBT+ supportive with several clinicians identifying as part of the LGBT+ community, also offered assistance.
On Wednesday 16th February, Peter Tatchell spoke at Oriel College on "Future Sex: The End of Gay", and on Wednesday 23rd February, Professor Stephen Whittle gave the 2022 University of Oxford LGBT History Month Lecture online.
The Pitt Rivers Museum offered an LGBTQ+ trail of its collections and a "Beyond the Binary" exhibition. The Ashmolean Museum also had an LGBTQ+ trail of its collections.
On Thursday 17th February, multiple events took place, including a talk by Dr Clara Barker, Professor Jason Arday, and an event titled "Gender, Sexuality, Power" at the Pitt Rivers Museum.
Save the dates for "Unconditional Equals" (Wednesday 9th March, Harris Lecture Theatre, Oriel College), "Beyond Binaries - Beyond Representation: Embedding queerness in heritage spaces" (Wednesday 1st June, online), and Oxford Pride (Saturday 4th June).
The University's Equality Policy promotes an inclusive environment and outlines that no student or member of staff will be treated less favourably on grounds which include sexual orientation and gender reassignment. The University of Oxford LGBT+ Advisory Group and the Torch Queer Studies Network were among the resources available for those seeking support and engagement.
St Anne's College hosted an online exhibition titled "Michael Dillon: A Biographical Exhibition", and there were student spotlights on improving inclusivity in Sport and meeting the LGBT+ Society's Race and Ethnic-Minority Officer.
The Proud Trust and Mind offered resources for LGBTIQ+ mental health, and a LGBTI Law guide explored the rights, legal status, and laws relating to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or intersex (LGBTI) individuals.
A guide on how to be a good responsible bystander was also available, providing valuable advice for those seeking to support their peers and create a safe and inclusive environment for all.
Information for staff and students on the University's response to Harassment and Bullying, including support and advice, could be found on the Harassment Advice page of the Equality and Diversity Unit website. LGBT+ History Month resources were also available with Student Minds, Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline, and the University of Oxford Counselling Service offered LGBT+ at home - coronavirus welfare advice.
These academic and library activities highlight the University’s commitment to celebrating LGBT+ History Month through educational initiatives and historical commemoration.
In the spirit of ongoing learning and lifelong development, the University of Oxford also offers online education in the realm of education-and-self-development, with resources like the 2022 University of Oxford LGBT History Month Lecture available online for those looking to expand their knowledge on this topic. Furthermore, one can find valuable materials for lifelong learning in the form of online courses and discussions on learning platforms, providing an opportunity to engage with LGBT+ history at their own pace.
