Raising the Flag to LGBTQ+ History Month
LGBT+ history month happens every February. Its mission is to promote equality and diversity through improving the visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities and stories, raising awareness of, and educating people about, relevant issues and making institutions safe spaces for all LGBTQ+ people. This year’s theme is ‘Body, Mind and Spirit’, and in recognition of the challenging times we are currently living through, we will be promoting mental health and wellbeing as part of our celebrations this year.
To celebrate LGBT+ History month 2021, the Joint Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Partnership will be raising the new LGBTQ+ Flag on the University of Lincoln campus. The new flag represents a more inclusive campus, underpinned by our One Community Values - Equality, Understanding, Listening, Kindness, and Acceptance. This flag, known as the Progress Pride Flag, was created by graphic designer Daniel Quasar in 2018, who wanted to bring greater focus to inclusion and the need for further progress for all LGBTQ+ people - “we still have movement forward to make. There still is work to be done”. The addition of chevrons to Gilbert Baker’s rainbow symbolises a greater emphasis on inclusion and progression, with additional colours to represent transgender, LGBTQ+ communities of colour, and those living with, and lost to, AIDS/HIV.
According to the University of Lincoln’s values, we “respect and value all members of our community and actively reject discrimination”, but we recognise that within our society the goals of equality, respect and acceptance for LGBTQ+ people have not yet been achieved. For example, two 2018 reports from the charity Stonewall highlighted that 18% of LGBT employees surveyed reported experiencing negative comments or conduct from colleagues in relation to their sexuality, whilst 33% LGBT students had experienced negative behaviour from other students in relation to their sexuality or gender identity. We will continue to work towards the elimination of inequalities.
Further details of LGBT+ history month events are available here. All staff, students and members of the wider community are welcome at these events, and we hope to see you there.
