February is LGBT+ History Month, a month-long annual celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) history and an opportunity to raise visibility of these lives and experiences.
To mark the month, we’re sharing a range of stories, events, resources and support in our 2023 guide. Here you'll find everything going on around the University and we'll continue to update it throughout the month.
Events and activities
LGBT+ History Month Lecture: A personal story of transition
Wednesday 22 February, 6.00pm, Saïd Business School
Max Siegel, Transgender activist, speaker and content creator, will explore the history of trans and gender non-confirming people, what can be learned and his own experiences. A Q&A will follow the talk.
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Ashmolean museum: exploring LGBTQ+ connections and Pride stories
Throughout February at the Ashmolean
From 'Bulldog Baths' tokens distributed to the participants at Gay Freedom Day, 1980 and 1981 to the work of German Neo-Expressionist artist Salomé, learn more about the LGBTQ+ stories represented in the Ashmolean’s collections.
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A Service of Readings and Silence
Wednesday 8 February, 5.45pm, Harris Manchester College Chapel
An LGBT service in Oxford's only college chapel that allows same sex weddings: Service led by Rev Dr Claire MacDonald, with Ashley Walters and members of the College community.
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Jonathan Cooper LGBTQ+ Mooting Competition 2023
Saturday 11 February, 4.00pm, Faculty of Law
Please join us for the Grand Final of the First Jonathan Cooper LGBTQ+ Mooting Competition. The Competition is the first one at Oxford specifically focusing on the promotion of the intellectual study of legal issues related to sexual orientation and gender identities. For its inaugural edition, the competition’s problem question will focus on the constitutional interpretation of the right to marriage, the European Convention on Human Rights, and the right to private and family life in the case of a fictitious country. The event will be followed by a drinks reception. If you would like to attend, please register in advance.
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Diversity Role Models: Evan Davis
Thursday 16 February, 5:30-6:30pm, Worcester College
Join Worcester College Provost, David Isaac CBE, in conversation with Evan Davis.
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In Conversation with Dr Emily Rutherford
Monday 20 February, 5.30-6.30pm, St Edmund Hall
LGBTQIA+ History Month Lecture: 'Historians Will Say They Were Just Good Friends': University Histories, Queer Histories.
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Queer Love and Literature Exhibition
Saturday 25 February, 10.00am-4.00pm, New College Lecture Room 4
As part of LGBTQ+ History Month, New College Library is showcasing books and manuscripts from our spectacular collections featuring queer stories, histories, and authors.
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Queer connections - old 'stuff', new stories?
Free Talk, Monday 27 February, 2.30pm, Pitt Rivers Museum
Pitt Rivers staff will share research stories from Out in Oxford and Beyond the Binary, initiatives developed with community partners, researchers and activists to challenge the types of stories told in Pitt Rivers Museum displays.
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Support
- Rainbow Peers as part of the Oxford University Peer Supporter Network. Rainbow Peers identify as LGBTQ+ and support Oxford LGBTQ+ students, exploring themes around sexuality, sexual identity, prejudice, inclusivity, belonging, society, Peer Support and the University.
- The University of Oxford Counselling Service is LGBT+ supportive. All clinicians are very experienced and trained in working with LGBT+ students, are a aware of the issues and challenges faced by this community and have several clinicians who identify as being part of the LGBT+ community.
- Student Minds' LGBTQ+ resources guide for LGBTQ+ students and friends and support for trans students
- Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline
- LGBTQ+ And In A Difficult Family Situation? By Fumble.
- LGBTIQ+ mental health with Mind
- LGBT+ History Month with the Proud Trust
- Stonewall helping LGBTQ+ people everywhere to thrive
- Information for staff and students on the University's response to Harassment and Bullying including support and advice can be found on the Harassment Advice page
- The Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, call 116 123 for free
About the University's Equality Policy
The University's Equality Policy provides for an inclusive environment which 'promotes equality, values diversity and maintains a working, learning and social environment in which the rights and dignity of all its staff and students are respected to assist them in reaching their full potential'. It also outlines that no student or member of staff will be treated less favorably on grounds which include sexual orientation and gender reassignment. You can find further information about the University’s work in the areas of gender, sexual orientation and transgender here.
