Flying the flag of Progress 

The flag marks our commitment to protect and recognise marginalised people of colour in the LGBTQ+ community, the trans and gender-diverse community, and anyone living with HIV/AIDS.  We value inclusivity and welcome the richness that a diverse LGBTQ+ community brings to our lives at York St John.  

All are welcome at the following events taking place during LGBTQ+ History Month. 

An Evening with Dr Cheddar Gorgeous

Wednesday 15 February, 5.00 to 6.00pm in the Creative Centre

Fresh from the grand finale of Season 4 of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Cheddar Gorgeous joins us at York St John University to discuss another aspect of their illustrious career: their ethnographic research exploring cruising culture among men who have sex with men, for which they were awarded a Doctorate in Social Anthropology with Visual Media by the University of Manchester in 2013.

Cheddar’s doctoral research focused on the forms of movement and modes of perception involved in the practices of cruising in and around Manchester’s famous Gay Village. In collaboration with the Department of Language and Linguistics at York St John, Cheddar will particularly consider the role of language (and, importantly, the absence of language) in the interactions they studied.

This event is not suitable for under 18's.

Celebrating Gentleman Jack: Changing Lives

Thursday 23 February, 3.30pm to 7:00pm in DG017 

This event is co-hosted by the Royal Television Society and Film and Media at York St John University, celebrating diversity on screen and LGBTQ+ representation. 

There will be a screening of the BBC documentary 'Gentleman Jack Changed My Life' followed by a Q&A with some of the cast members and show developers. The panel will then be joined by advocates involved in the Save Gentleman Jack Campaign who have since July 2022 organised a range of events to help maintain the continuing influence of Gentleman Jack as an important media and TV event, and Anne Lister as a relevant valuable and cultural figure. Their aim is to help bring Gentleman Jack back to our TV screens and to finish the story. 

But I’m a Cheerleader

Thursday 23 February, 7.00 to 10.00pm in the Creative Centre Screening Room.

York St John’s Chaplaincy team and LGBTQ+ Society are showing a screening of ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’, followed by Q&A and discussion on the church’s history with conversion therapy. All welcome, no need to book. 

Watch the trailer: But I'm A Cheerleader

Football v Homophobia - York City vs Yeovil Town

Saturday 25 February, 3.00pm, LNER Community Stadium

York City FC Foundation and Football Club are dedicating the fixture against Yeovil Town on 25 February to Football v Homophobia

Football v Homophobia aims to challenge discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression at all levels of football.

Four of the drag kings and queens from The Family Shambles will be performing in the main FanZone area from 1.30pm as fans arrive; there will be a set of big LGBTQ+ anthems blasting around the stadium pre-kickoff to sing along to, an article has been written for the Match-Day Programme highlighting the importance of such events as this and promoting York Pride on 3 June, together with some of the regular club activities.