These sessions are run by Galop, a charity that provides by-and-for support to the LGBTQ+ community on conversion therapy, hate crime, sexual violence, domestic abuse, and other forms of abuse.
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 challenges and discrimination that LGBT+ people face, the progress we have made, and the work we still have to do.
This year, the theme is Medicine #UnderThe Scope, which celebrates LGBT+ people’s contribution to the fields of medicine and healthcare, both historically and today.
Celebrations will showcase the amazing work of LGBT+ staff across the NHS and in other healthcare settings, in providing healthcare, especially during the pandemic. It will also shine a light on the complicated history of the LGBT+ community’s experience of receiving healthcare, which has left LGBT+ people still facing health inequalities today.
Read our new blog with current student and LGBTQIA+ society member Carmel to explore why this year's theme is so important, and why we should all celebrate LGBT+ History Month.
At Canterbury Christ Church, 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:
- The raising of the Intersex Inclusive Pride Flag at Augustine House on Thursday 1 February at 9:30am. All staff and students are welcome – join us in flying the flag with pride!
- LGBT+ History Month displays throughout February at Augustine House Library. On the ground floor will be a physical book display and a Wakelet with resources, as well as a visual display of an LGBT+ history medical timeline
- The first-floor display at Augustine House Library will explore a range of online sources highlighting queer content related to medicine as well as LGBT+ lives, history and experiences
- LGBT+ History Month book display at Drill Hall Library, and a book covers display at Salomons, both running throughout February
- "Coming Out" LQBTQIA+ Society night at the Lounge, 7pm - late on Tuesday 6 Feb
- A number of LGBT+ themed-events at the Medway Hub, including an LGBTQ+ Careers Fair on Wednesday 7 Feb and an LGBTQ+ Crafternoon on Thursday 22 Feb which are inclusive to all. Go to the Medway Hub website for all the details
- LGBTQIA+ quiz night hosted by the Sabbs at the Lounge, 7pm - late on Monday 12 Feb
- Pronoun Badge Making and Flag Painting sessions run by CCSU at 1-4pm on Valentines Day (14 Feb) in both Canterbury (SU Building) and Medway (Rowan Williams Building)
- February’s StressLess event on Thursday 15 February in Augustine House Library will be LGBT+ themed, and feature special activities including a pronoun badge making session, rainbow arts and crafts, and a film screening
- A community film screening of The Normal Heart, on Wednesday 21 Feb at 5:45pm in Lg16 (Laud). The Normal Heart is based on an autobiographical play of the same name by Larry Kramer, which focuses on the rise of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in New York City. Content warning: the film depicts the homophobia of the early 1980s and symptoms of and deaths from untreated HIV. There is strong language, sexual activity and some drug use. See also: https://www.doesthedogdie.com/media/12058 for further content advice (may contain minor spoilers).
- A special series of LGBT+ History Month blogs by Library staff will be published throughout the month, focusing on this year’s key representatives and theme for the Month. Read them all at blogs.canterbury.ac.uk/library
- A Padlet virtual space for everyone to come together to share testimony and anecdotes – take part here!
- A chance to win tickets to see Alice Oseman, author of the hugely popular graphic novel Heartstoppers (which was adapted into a hit Netflix series), at Faversham Literary Festival on Saturday 24 Feb – check out this blog for how to enter!
- 'LGBTQIA+ Health Matters' online talks on Thursday 29 Feb, 1-3pm. Three speakers will explore the health, wellbeing and medical experiences of parts of the LGBTQIA+ communities. Fill in this form to let us know you'll be joining. Attend online via this Teams Town Hall link.
- Sue Sanders, founder of Schools Out and LGBT+ History Month, will give a talk on Thursday 29 February, 4-5pm, discussing the history of LGBT+ History Month in the UK, why the theme of #UnderTheScope is so important, and what the challenges and barriers are to the LGBT+ community today. The event will be at Keynes Seminar Room 4 at the University of Kent campus. Email R.S.Lamyman@kent.ac.uk to book your space.
- Zine-making workshops using archive materials curated from the Library Archives, which will be explored through a queer lens. Part of our 365 approach to LGBT+ History Month, the workshops will take place in April and May, with the zines handed out at Pride Canterbury in June. To take part in the archive exploration and/or the zine-making sessions, email library.canterbury@canterbury.ac.uk
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 Christ Church 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 work closely with the LGBT+ Chaplaincy in Canterbury Diocese, talking through the big questions and connecting LGBT+ Christians with churches locally.
LGBTQIA+ Society
The LGBTQIA+ society, a part of Christ Church Students’ Union, is committed to creating and nurturing a safe space for LGBTQIA+ students at university. The group has socials every week, raises awareness for 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, study 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
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.