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LGBT History Month
"We are lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people and their friends.
We exist in all times and places. We speak each and every language. We laugh and cry. We talk and remain silent. We are emperors and peasants. We are conservatives and revolutionaries. We are actors, artists, bricklayers, bookies, cab drivers, cooks and clowns. We are employed and unemployed. We raise our children and we bury our dead. When we can, we attend school, college and university. When we can, we go out into the streets. We read the papers and watch the TV. We attend church, synagogue, temple and mosque. We are free and confined. We celebrate and we hide. We are happy and sad. We are supported and alone.
Our lives are both ordinary and extraordinary. This [month] celebrates all we were, all we are and all we may yet be"
February is LGBT History Month
LGBT History Month is an exploration the LGBT people and events that shaped the course of LGBT history – from the depths of persecution right through to liberation and modern activism, not to mention the plethora of LGBT artists, poets and film makers.
It is also a recognition that not all LGBT people are yet free from prejudice and oppression and it is a month of solidarity for all those who have suffered or died as a result of being LGBT.
During the month we will be holding a wide range of events, from debates and talks to film nights. We will be covering topics such as the AIDS Crisis and the raging debate over blood donation, as well as exploring the variance of gender and sexuality throughout history and taking a look at some truly remarkable people who we consider to be our LGBT heroes!
On Friday 5th, we're watching the film Beyond Hatred in James JCR Lakeside at 18.30.
Week five features a talk and a discussion about the AIDS crisis and how it's affected the restrictions on giving blood on Monday 8th, and on Friday 12th, Sue Mendus is talking for us about the decriminalisation of homosexuality. She's an extremely highly respected speaker at the University, and will be giving this fascinating topic a bit of a philosophical edge, so this is not a talk to miss!
In week six, we have a talk on Monday 15th, featuring several members of the committee talking about different aspects of gender and sexuality variance throughout history, and why they find them interesting. From the concept of third gender to the presence of trans people in mythology, in this event we're hoping to cover a bit of everything, On Wednesday 17th, we're watching the classic Boy's Don't Cry, starring Hilary Swank, and on Friday 19th, we're discussing the history of the T in LGBT and if it's still relevant today. This is a really hot topic right now, so expect a lively discussion.
Capping it all off in week 7, on Monday 22nd we're having a fun and lively lecture full of short clips exploring how LGBT people have been presented in the media, through history and in the present day. With YouTube to hand, there'll be plenty of fun examples, including a pie chart and a Google Image search for lesbian! Finishing it all off on Friday we'll be ending History Month with LGBT Heroes, celebrating the lives and achievements of LGBT people from all around the world and all through history, as different members of YUSU LGBT committee give a short talk on someone who has inspired them.
All of the talks and discussion take place in G/020 from 19.00 and all of the films will be in James JCR Lakeside at 18.30.
You can also keep up with everything that's going on through Facebook.
Remember, for any more information, or to get involved yourself, please e-mail lgbt@yusu.org.
