Strathclyde celebrates LGBT+ History month
Throughout February, we celebrate LGBT+ History Month.
As a socially progressive and people-oriented University, we value the diversity of our student and staff communities. We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive culture and environment where everyone thrives in their work and study.
LGBT+ History Month is marked across the UK throughout February as an opportunity to connect and reflect on the past and present of the LGBT+ community, celebrate LGBT+ cultures and progress towards equality over time, and explore what the lessons of history can teach us for the future.
LGBT+ inclusion & support at Strathclyde
Online LGBTQI+ Hub
Our new LGBTQI+ online hub brings together key information for students and staff on how to get support, get involved, relevant research, activities, policies and guidance.
Student LGBTQ+ Society & LGBT+ Student Rep
The LGBT+ Society represents LGBT+ students at the University. It runs events and campaigns throughout the year and provides a space for LGBT+ students to socialise and have their voices heard. The LGBT+ Student Rep is Ashleigh Bruce.
StrathPride: LGBTQI+ Staff & PGR Network
StrathPride, the LGBTQI+ Staff and PGR Network provides an opportunity to build a more diverse and inclusive university community and enhance support for and visibility of LGBTQI+ people at Strathclyde. StrathPride holds regular meetups, and membership is open to LGBTQI+ staff, postgraduate researchers and allies.
‘Ask Alex’: trans, non-binary & gender diverse support
We recognise the unique issues faced by trans and non-binary students and staff, both in a university environment and in the wider community, and we are committed to providing support.
Our named contacts for trans and non-binary students and staff can advise and help co-ordinate support in a range of areas.
Report & Support
We're committed to creating an environment in which all students, staff and visitors feel welcomed and valued, and in which discriminatory behaviour and harassment are not tolerated. The University will take prompt action in response to any alleged discrimination, victimisation, or harassment, including that based on sexual orientation, sex, gender and trans status.
If you experience or witness bullying, harassment or violence on campus and/or relating to university staff and students, you can report this via Strathclyde’s Report & Support system. Reports can be made anonymously.
Exhibition: LGBT+ History in the Archives
A collaboration between the University Archives & Special Collections and the Equality & Diversity Office, this exhibition centres upon the student Gay Society (known as Gaysoc) at Strathclyde, which was established in 1971, almost a decade before homosexuality was legalised in Scotland. Gaysoc’s activities were promoted and reported via its regular column in the student newspaper, the Strathclyde Telegraph, and the display features a selection of columns published from the 1970s to the early 1990s. As well as emphasising the significant challenges faced by LGBT+ students, the columns are suggestive of evolving societal attitudes towards the LGBT+ community by the end of the period. The Society also supported the Gay Rights campaigns organised by the National Union of Students (NUS), and the display includes posters relating to some of these campaigns, illustrating the broader LGBT+ activism of the time.
- Date: 1 February 2025 - 28 February 2025
- Time: During library hours
- Location: Level 2 and Level 3, Andersonian Library, 101 St James Rd, Glasgow G4 0NS. The venue is accessible via stairs or platform lift
Further information on accessing the library can be found on the Library webpage.
LGBTQI+ book display
This display includes a wide selection of books by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Asexual, and Transgender authors and covers a range of topics and issues relevant to Pride Month. All the books are available for loan. Staff library cards are also available for issue upon library visit.
Location: Level 3 of the Andersonian Library, 101 St James Rd, Andersonian Library, Glasgow G4 0NS
Further information on accessing the library can be found on the Library webpage.
LGBT+ History Month playlist
Check out our LGBT+ History Month playlist on Box of Broadcast. Students and staff can log-in using DS details.
Check out the LGBT+ History Month playlist
Library guide
If you are looking for resources on LGBTQI+ topics for study, or just LGBTQI+ books to read for leisure, there is a wide range available. Wondering where to get started? Try our LGBT+ History Month reading list. We welcome your feedback! Contact us at help@strath.ac.uk.
Translating interviews with Greek transgender HIV/AIDS activists with Dr Nikos Papadogiannis (University of Stirling)
Organised as part of the Centre for the Social History of Health and Healthcare Seminar Series, this presentation will focus on a research project on transnational HIV/AIDS activism in Western Europe. The central question of the talk will be how to approach the translation of 'kalliarnta', a slang term used by some Greek transgender activists in interviews when discussing a variety of topics including trans healthcare and HIV/AIDS activism. Further information about the event is available on the CSHHH Seminar Series webpage.
- Date: 4 February 2025
- Time: 4pm to 5.30pm
- Location: TL565, Level 5 of the Learning and Teaching Building, University of Strathclyde.
LGBTQI+ Equality & Inclusion Session (for Strathclyde staff)
This 2-hour interactive session will introduce participants to key LGBTQI+ issues, both within higher education and more generally. Participants will learn about LGBTQI+ terminology and definitions; enhance their knowledge of LGBTQI+ history, legislation and inequalities; and explore how to support LGBTQI+ students and staff through practical case studies and top tips. This session is delivered by the University’s Equality & Diversity Office and draws upon relevant evidence and research.
- Session 1: 6 February 2025 Time: 10am to 12pm
- Session 2: 26 February 2025 Time: 1pm to 3pm
Location: Online via Zoom
Please register via the DAT Booking Webpage
StrathPride Meet & Greet - On-campus (for Strathclyde staff & PGRs)
The StrathPride LGBTQI+ Staff and PGR Network are hosting an informal on-campus event meet and greet session for all staff and PGRs who would like to meet others and find out more about StrathPride. All staff and PGR students are welcome to attend. Lunch and board games will be provided.
- Date: Wednesday 12 February 2025
- Time: 12:30pm to 1:30pm
- Location: The Board Room, Strath Union level 8, 51 Richmond Street, Glasgow, G1 1XU
Register Interest via the StrathPride Meet & Greet LGBT+ History Month MS Form.
Computer Information Science (CIS) Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) webinar by Naomi Ceder
Join us for a webinar with Naomi Ceder, Phyton expert from the US, Pycon organiser, and Open Source advocate who will talk about her experience through the lens of diversity and inclusion in tech spaces. This event is part of our CIS GEDI Seminar Series and Strathclyde LGBT+ History Month celebrations.
- Time: 3pm to 4pm
- Date: Wednesday, 19 February 2025
- Location: Zoom
Queer & Trans Student Climbing Social February
Join us for a Social Climbing Night, open to all queer and trans students, hosted by Strathclyde University Mountaineering Club (SUMC) and Glasgow University Mountaineering Club (GUMC).
Whether you're an experienced climber or a beginner, come along to socialise and meet people who can show you the ropes—no prior experience needed. Please note that entry costs £11, which is not included. SUMC will cover the cost of any kit rental, available on a first-come, first-served basis due to funding limits.
To help us gauge the number of inexperienced climbers, please register your interest in advance.
- Date: 20 February 2025
- Time: 7pm to 9pm
- Location: Glasgow Climbing Centre, 534 Paisley Road West, G51 1RN.
StrathPride LGBT+ History Month Film Screening
FanFik (2023), a Polish drama directed by Marta Karwowska, explores the lives of students navigating themes of LGBT+ identity, belonging, relationships, and family tensions. The film offers a contemporary perspective on the experiences of the younger generation, highlighting how LGBT+ identity continues to evolve and how societal attitudes are shifting. It focuses on self-discovery, creativity, and finding one's voice within the complex social environment of Poland. Through its portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of individuals coming to terms with their sexual orientation and gender identity, the film sheds light on the challenges and growth of LGBT+ individuals.
Content note: the film contains several sensitive themes including discrimination, family tensions and conflict, bullying, mental health issues and sexual identity exploration.
- Date: 20 February 2025
- Time: 5:30pm to 7:30pm
- Location: Library Film Theatre, Level 3 of Andersonian Library, 101 St James Rd, Glasgow G4 0NS. The venue is accessed via stairs or platform lift.
- Reserve a spot
Further information on accessing the library can be found on the Library webpage.
Zine Workshop (for Strathclyde students & staff)
The University Library is hosting a zine-making workshop where you can learn to create your own zine. Zines (short for "magazines") are small, self-published works that can include drawings, photos, comics, or anything you're passionate about, like your favourite show or personal experiences. Zine-making is a fun and creative way to express yourself, relax, and improve mental well-being without pressure. No creative skills are needed - everyone is welcome to join, as the workshop is all about having fun and exploring your creativity. Materials will be provided, and friendly library staff will guide you through the process.
- Date: 25 February 2025
- Location: John Anderson Meeting Room 3.16, Level 3 of Andersonian Library, 101 St James Rd, Glasgow G4 0NS. The venue is accessed via stairs or platform lift.
- Time: 1pm to 3pm
There is no need to book this session prior to attending.
Drag Bingo
A dazzling fusion of bingo and drag culture! Join us for a night of charismatic performances, sassy calls, and fabulous prizes. Get ready to be entertained like never before!
- Date: Tuesday 25 February 2025
- Time: 8:00pm
- Location: The Terrace, Strathclyde Student’s Union, 51 Richmond Street, Glasgow G1 1XU.
The venue can be accessed via stairs, it also offers street-level access and ramps that provide a route from level 1 of Strath Union to a double-door lift which will bring you to the Terrace. For more information visit StrathUnion Access.
LGBT+ History: An introduction to Archives
Are you curious to explore the rich history of the LGBT+ community at the University of Strathclyde and in Glasgow? Would you like to contribute your own history and learn practical skills in using Archival research in your studies or work?
In this workshop, we will explore the rich history of the LGBT+ community at Strathclyde and beyond. The event features interactive activities, a facilitated session on researching and preserving personal LGBT+ histories, and an opportunity to contribute to the ‘Queering the Strathclyde’ map.
Open to students, staff and the wider community, the event is informal, with refreshments provided, and hybrid options are available for those who cannot attend in person. If you have any additional accessibility requirements or dietary restrictions, please fill out the Event Accessibility Form.
- Date: Thursday 27 February 2025
- Time: 1pm to 2:30pm
- Location: The Mandela Auditorium, Level 1 of Strathclyde Students Union, 51 Richmond Street, Glasgow G1 1XU. T
This venue has street-level access, for more information visit: StrathUnion Access.