In the UK, February is LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, queer) History Month! It is a chance to celebrate the lives, achievements of important LGBTQ+ figures and promote awareness of the LGBTQ+ community. As part of LGBTQ+ History Month, we remember and celebrate important figures and moments in LGBTQ+ history, alongside those who continue to contribute to and celebrate equality in our society today.

The month is filled with events celebrating equality, regardless of gender or sexual identity. Originating in the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK) celebrates LGBTQ+ History Month in February, whereas celebrations across the pond take place in October. Pride month is celebrated in June in the UK.

LGBT History Month began as “Lesbian and Gay History Month”, created by Rodney Wilson, a high-school History teacher who wanted to challenge discrimination and celebrate LGBT history. It was against the backdrop of equality movements and marches across the 70s and 80s that LGBT History Month as it is known today was created in the US in 1995 and 2005 in the UK.

Over the years, the abbreviation LGBT has continued to evolve and grow to include all identities. Now, the full abbreviation, LGBTQQIAAP, stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Allies, Asexual and Pansexual, though is commonly shortened to LGBTQ+. 

What's On at UPSU for LGBTQ+ History Month

This month we have a whole host of events happening at the Union to celebrate!

Pride Pledge

Come along and show your solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community! Pride Pledge Foamex Board to be signed by group committee members, UoP, and UPSU staff. There will be the option to anonymously print your hand as part of a progress pride flag. These will then be displayed in the UPSU building. The event will run as a drop-in from 2pm - 4pm every weekday of February 2022. 

Pride Month Speaker Series

With The Fabulous Josh from Unmade Radio, and Portsmouth City Council! UPSU's Pride Speaker Series to happen on the 15th, 18th, and 22nd of Feb, incorporating speakers from a variety of backgrounds that intersect with their experience of being part of the LGBTQ+ community. This event is open to both students and members of the community. All attendees must show their tickets on arrival to gain entry. 

LGBTQ+ Student Mixer (11th Feb)

Join UPSU and the LGBTQ+ Society for refreshments and a chat at our LGBTQ+ student mixer event. Find out more about your peers over a cuppa and some biscuits and talk with our experienced casual staff about their experience at the University of Portsmouth.

LGBTQ+ Ball!

The event of the season!

'Get off the floor. Learn it, and learn it well!'

'Give her what she wants. She bring it to you every ball. Why ya'll gagging so?'

Join your Students' Union in celebrating inclusivity, culture and the LGBTQ+ community as we bring back 2020's Pride Night, bigger and better! Tickets are only £4!

We can't wait to celebrate with you!