LGBT+ History Month is a time to reflect, to celebrate and to look to the future. Kingston University's students, staff and alumni are marking the month through a series of online events, shared creative expression and open conversations around equality and LGBT+ issues. It's also the first anniversary of our LGBTQAI+ staff network, which supports LGBTQAI+ staff and allies and celebrates diversity in our community.
This year's theme is Mind, Body and Spirit, which will be explored through a programme of events being held by the University and the Union of Kingston Students throughout February.
Members of Kingston University's LGBTQAI+ staff network come together for LGBT+ History Month to talk about identities in the LGBTQAI+ community, the history and culture of being part of it, and how the media has portrayed people within the community over time.
"I'm determined to help make Kingston University a place where people can feel safe to talk openly, should they wish to, about how they identify, who they love and their lives outside work. The diversity of human life and love is something to be celebrated and I hope I can help make Kingston an inclusive and vibrant place to work."
Emily Boynton, Executive HR Director
Union of Kingston Students events are open to all students and staff.
Sophie Smith designed this striking LGBT+ logo for the Union of Kingston Students. The Creative and Cultural Industries: Art Direction BA (Hons) student wanted to create a logo that was bright, bold, and eye-catching.
Sophie chose the lightning bolt to show the strength of the LGBT+ community and represent its energy. She wanted to convey the LGBT+ colours representing an amazing community inside a symbol of strength.
"Every person has a right to their own sexual identity and to express themselves accordingly. However, society makes little consideration beyond heterosexuality and being cisgender when it comes to people with learning disabilities.
"This perspective is often based upon ignorance and fear about people with learning disabilities demonstrating any form of sexual expression."
Dr Mark Brown, senior lecturer in learning disability nursing at Kingston University and St George's, University of London, explains why people with learning disabilities face barriers to expressing their sexual identity and what should be done about it.