York LGBT History Month 2015

York St John University will host ten of these events, starting with the free launch event on Friday 6 February. This will involve live music from local bands, an art exhibition, speeches, a quiz and short films including Screen Yorkshire’s award-winning Private Life.

Other events across the month include a play, variety nights, a reading group, collaborative heritage events, a conference, discussion panels, talks and walks.

LGBT History Month is celebrated worldwide and 2015 marks the tenth anniversary of the national event. Last year saw the first ever collaborative LGBT History Month campaign in York, spearheaded by York St John University. The successes of this partnership led to the establishment of an independent organisation called York LGBT History Month to coordinate efforts in future years.

Andy Law, Lead Coordinator, said: “We are delighted to announce a diverse and exciting programme of events for 2015, offering a wide variety of ways for the public to engage with LGBT narratives.

"It’s great to have seen the number of groups, organisations and individuals involved double; showing a real drive in support of our aim to increase public awareness of the place of LGBT people in history.

“Through brining to light stories that might traditionally have been ignored, we seek to develop inclusivity, challenge stereotypes and promote understanding.”

York LGBT History Month is supported by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, the University of York, York Pride and York St John University.