LGBTQ+ History Month

Every February is LGBT+ History Month in the UK, a time to ensure visibility of LGBTQIA+ people's past, present and future, despite prejudice, homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. This year marks 20 years since the Civil Partnership Act 2004 and the Gender Recognition Act 2004, important legislation which helped LGBTQIA+ people achieve some rights. 

As a University focused on the principles of social justice, York St John is flying the Progress flag from its Lord Mayor’s Walk campus. This 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 LGBTQIA+ community brings to our lives at York St John.  

We are pleased to be hosting a number of events to mark LGBTQ+ History Month at York St John. 

Free Speech and Hate Speech: Analysing ‘anti-gender’ Discourse 

7 February 2024, 4:30-5:30pm, Creative Centre Auditorium 

This LGBTQ+ History Month talk focuses on what is commonly referred to as homophobic and transphobic ‘soft hate speech’ which (unlike ‘hard’ hate) operates within the limits of the law and may be perceived as ‘sayable’ in the public sphere. This makes it more difficult to recognise and challenge. This talk is being given by our very own Helen Sauntson (Professor of English Language and Linguistics) and is going to be a must-be-at event. Book your free ticket via Eventbrite.  

In Conversation with Dom&Ink 

13 February, 6-8pm, Creative Centre Auditorium 

Come along and listen to illustrator and author Dom&Ink talk about their work, from illustrating RuPaul's Drag Race for the BBC to writing their new graphic novel. Dom will be interviewed by Lali from York's own The Portal Bookshop, and the event will be followed by a book signing and drinks reception. Tickets are free from Eventbrite.  

Can you Adam and Eve It? Queering Heterosexuality in Genesis 

21 February, 4-6pm, Creative Centre 

Join us at York St John University for this hybrid event to mark LGBT History Month 2024. Hosted by the Centre for Religion in Society, hear Dr Chris Greenough's talk, 'Can you Adam and Eve it? Queering Heterosexuality in the Genesis Narrative', followed by Q&A and a drinks reception. Find out more and book free tickets via Eventbrite. 

‘Thinking Big Thoughts’ - a Showcase of Trans and Non-Binary Scholarship  

13 March, 2-4pm, Creative Centre 

The YSJ LGBTQ+ Staff Network and Athena Swan Charter leads are holding a hybrid event to celebrate trans and non-binary scholarship at the university. This will be an informal, supportive space where all members of staff and students who are trans, non-binary, gender-diverse or are creating work related to these communities are encouraged to take part and share their work. Whether you are a first-year undergrad with an essay you’d like to share or a seasoned academic, we want to hear from you! 

We welcome our London staff and student scholars to join the event, as hybrid presentations are possible. 

This is a supportive space for trans, non-binary or gender-diverse scholars and students to share their work. If you would like to take part or know someone who does, please email LGBTQPlusStaff@yorksj.ac.uk for more information.  

Reserve a free space via Eventbrite.

YSJ London trip to Queer Britain Museum 

For our London campus colleagues, the LGBTQ+ Staff Network will be organising a free trip to Queer Britain Museum, the UK’s first and only LGBTQ+ museum. If you are interested in hearing more about this, please contact the YSJ LGBTQ+ Staff Network at LGBTQPlusStaff@yorksj.ac.uk.