Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Trans (LGBT) History Month - Keele University
 

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Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender (LGBT) History Month 2012

As part of it’s celebrations of LGBT History Month 2012, the University ran its first LGBT History Month Symposium on 8th February, kicking off a month long series of events and activities organised by University staff and students.

The LGBT History Month Symposium is the first in a series of Keele Unity events for 2012, organised and delivered by the University in partnership with its students and the local LGBT community. The highly successful event was attended by over 40 delegates to celebrate and raise awareness of the enormous contributions made by Keele’s LGBT community, offering staff, students and visitors the opportunity to engage in discussions and shape future equality initiatives within the University.

Pictured : Professor Nick Foskett, Vice Chancellor, Dr Dana Rosenfeld Senior Lecturer, Jacob Tyler Co-president of the LGBT Students Society, Bal Everitt, Equalities and Workforce Planning Manager, Mak Chahal, Co-president of the LGBT Students Society

 

The symposium was opened by a joint welcome from Professor Nick Foskett, Vice Chancellor, and student Jacob Tyler, Co-President of the LGBT Student Society.

The key note address was delivered by Dr Dana Rosenfeld who presented a talk on “AIDS generation then and now: gay men, ageing, and HIV/AIDS

This was followed by stimulating presentation and debate lead by our visiting speaker Neil Baker, from the Equality Challenge Unit, on the topic of the sexual orientation and the interface with religion and belief. Delegates also heard about the real life stories and personal accounts of members of Keele’s LGBT community on the topics of family life, education, and a historical talk delivered by Dr Chris Harrison on ‘Keele Gays in the 1970’s and 80’s’, prompting informative and constructive debates and discussion.

Delegates were able to peruse a range of stall and information provided by local HIV charity Staffordshire Buddies, as well as Unite, UCU, and UNISON.

 A range of other workshops were run throughout February exploring issues of LGBT emotional well being, hate crime, bullying, and media.

What delegates thought of Keele Unity LGBT History Month 2012

 

“Good content, excellent debates”

 “Chris Harrison – flawless”

 “Life stories and the discussions following that”

“I really found Neil Baker’s session useful in the context of my work. It was all very interesting”

“Really enjoyed the whole session, informative, engaging and thoughtful”

“People’s personal histories were a real insight and I think more of the same would greatly improve an already interesting session”

 

If you would like further information on LGBT History Month 2012, or would like to get involved in Keele Unity or supporting LGBT History Month 2013 please contact Sam Hewa Wellalage on ext 33407 or email: s.s.hewawellalage@per.keele.ac.uk