Celebrating LGBT+ History Month: events, support, and community
21 Jan 2025
We’re proud to celebrate LGBT+ History Month with our inclusive and compassionate community. However you identify, we hold space, understanding and respect for you at Canterbury Christ Church.
Why do we celebrate LGBT+ History Month?
The month aims to raise the voices of LGBT+ people, and increase visibility of their history and experiences. LGBT+ History Month also serves as a reminder of the challenges and discrimination that LGBT+ people face, the progress we have made, and the work we still have to do.
The Theme for this year's LGBT+ History Month is Activism and Social Change.
Throughout history LGBT+ people have helped shape and create social change through different approaches of activism. At CCCU, we’re taking a 365 approach to raising awareness of LGBT+ history, so we’ll be hosting thought-provoking community events throughout February and beyond.
Events and activities
Our LGBT+ History Month celebrations include:
-
Library Display
1 February - 28 February | Augustine House
This LGBT+ History Month a selection of books and resources exploring all things ‘activism and social change’ across the rainbow will be on display in the Augustine House Lobby. Learn and expand your knowledge through the library's resources and blog, and discover the history and the people championing the cause.
-
Bookshop Display
1 February - 28 February | CCCU Bookshop, Canterbury Campus
There will be an LGBT+ History Month themed display in the bookshop window.
-
Flag Raising
3 February | 10:30 | Augustine House
The Pride Flag will be raised in front of Augustine House, followed by refreshments. All staff and students welcome.
-
HIV Testing
6 February | 12:00-14:00 | Touchdown, Canterbury Campus
The SU Trans and Non-Binary Officer and the LGBT+ Society will hand out ribbons to coincide with National HIV Testing Week. There will also be information on PrEP and STD Testing from the Gate Clinic.
-
StressLess
6 February | 13:00-17:00 | StressLess Zone, 2nd floor of Augustine House
Join the Library Team on the 6 February as we celebrate each individual, the friendships and the relationships we have. Enjoy a range of activities accessible to all. Come along to our safe space to chat and make new friends. Explore our creative tables and make a gift for a special someone, no matter who they are.
- Medway LGBTHM Community Lunch
10 February | 12:30-13:30 | The Deep End, Medway Campus -
Polari Workshop with Lee Campbell
10 February | 14:00-16:00 | NS03-04
At the start of the workshop, participants watch a short poetry film by Lee called The Tale of Benny Harris (2022) a film written entirely in Polari (gay slang). Lee then explains how his interest in Polari was triggered when he attended a Polari-writing workshop in Manchester several years ago where he was encouraged to write his own Polari phrases and how this led to the eventual development of a poem he wrote called ‘The Tale of Benny Harris’ (in Polari, a ‘bene aris’, means a ‘nice bum’).
Participants are then given copies of a Polari dictionary which Lee uses as a basis for discussion including identifying Polari words that they may already be using. Lee then invites participants to write their own rhyming Polari phrases and then, invites participants to speak their phrases out aloud for everyone to enjoy.
-
Film Screening of MILK
18 February | 17:00-19:00 | Ng03
Screening Gus Van Sant's 2008 Milk follows the life of Harvey Milk(1930–1978), the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California, possibly the first openly gay man to hold office in the USA. Milk moved to the Castro in San Francisco in 1972 and stood as city supervisor, facing opposition both from some of the gay community and homophobic politicians. He finally won in 1977 and continued to campaign for LGBT+ rights whilst in power. -
SU Crafternoon
26 February | 13:00-14:00 | Student Union Building
The Student Union will host a Pride flag-making afternoon.
-
Activating LGBT+ Symposium
27 February | Online, link TBC
This series of talks will celebrate LGBT+ History Month 2025 by focusing on a wide range of topics related to LGBT+ activism. Topics include digital activism in Kerala, the Lavender Scare and immigration, and Patricia Nell Warren’s The Front Runner as activism. Here is the link to register - sign up to receive the joining link and more information about the event.
More events are being planned for the month – watch this space for more information coming soon.
Support at CCCU
We understand that some of the experiences our LGBTQIA+ students face can be difficult and we want to make sure you get the best support.
Student Wellbeing Services
At CCCU we’re proud of our kind and inclusive community, where everyone is valued and empowered to find the support they need to thrive. The Student Wellbeing Services provide a variety of confidential support and advice services available to help you navigate university life.
For information on how we support trans and non-binary students and staff at Canterbury Christ Church University, you can find the University’s Trans and Non-Binary Inclusion policy here.
If your gender identity and chosen name is not correct in the university system you can complete the Notification of Student Transition and Name Change form to update your details.
Chaplaincy
Chaplains work across all the University’s campuses, providing support, help and encouragement to both students and staff. The Chaplaincy team works closely with the LGBT+ Chaplaincy in the Canterbury Diocese, talking through the big questions and connecting LGBT+ Christians with churches locally.
LGBTQIA+ Society
The LGBTQIA+ society, part of Christ Church Students’ Union, is committed to creating and nurturing a safe space for LGBTQIA+ students at the University. The group holds weekly socials, raises awareness of issues facing the LGBTQIA+ community, and raises money for local and national charities.
Creating a safe space for all
Expect Respect
LGBT+ History Month is the perfect opportunity to take our Expect Respect pledge. Canterbury Christ Church University and the Students’ Union believe all students, staff, and visitors have the right to live, stud,y and work in a safe and supportive environment, free from discrimination, bullying, or harassment of any form.
Our Expect Respect Welcome Module will cover some important topics for student life, including building your supportive network, our Expect Respect campaign, being an ally, staying safe, and cultivating healthy relationships. When you complete this module, you will be entered into a prize draw, with a chance to win some amazing CCCU goodies and experiences!
We believe that we all have a part to play in creating inclusive and welcoming campuses, free from harassment. We can take positive action in a number of ways to educate ourselves, reflect on our own behaviour and challenge behaviour in others.
Report+Support
We actively encourage staff and students to report any harassment or sexual misconduct they have witnessed or experienced through our Report+Support platform. This can be done completely anonymously or if you provide your name we will offer you confidential support.
Wider Support
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline
This Switchboard (0300 330 0630) provides confidential, non-judgemental, and informed support for LGBTQ+ people via phone and instant chat. The helpline is open between 10:00 – 22:00 every day.
Canterbury Trans Network
Canterbury Trans Network is a peer support group for all transgender and non-binary people in Kent. The group meets in Canterbury twice a month for coffee, conversation, and support.
For more information on gatherings and support available you can visit the website or email canterburytransnetwork@gmail.com.
BeYou Project | Porchlight
The BeYou Project offer a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space where LGBTQ+ young people can meet, socialise, and find the support they need.
Student Space, free workshops for LGBTQ+ students on safety and abuse
Student Space offer a free series of online workshop sessions for LGBTQ+ students and their allies, which provide a safe space to explore how to enhance the safety of LGBTQ+ students and empower them with practical knowledge.
Stonewall stand for and with lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning and ace (LGBTQ+) people everywhere. Visit their website to find helpful information and resources for LGBTQIA+ people and allies.
Gendered Intelligence
Gendered Intelligence is a trans-led and trans-including organisation working to improve the lived experience for trans and non-binary people everywhere. Visit their website for information, resources, and online social and support groups.
IMAAN
IMAAN is a leading LGBTQ+ Muslim support organisation, with information and support resources for people of faith.
Queering the Map
Share in the moments, stories, and experiences of LGBTQIA+ people all over the world on Queering the Map. Share your experiences and read the uplifting messages tagged all over Canterbury and Kent. Wherever you are in the world, you are not alone.
Back to
Related links
Did you find this page useful?