LGBT History Month
LGBT History Month
February is LGBT History Month in the UK. See what's on this month including...
Candlelit Vigil for Brianna Ghey
There will be a candlelit vigil in memory of Brianna Ghey, organised by #CanterburyWithTheT and #CanterburyAgainstTransphobia on
Friday 17 February, 6pm,
Canterbury Buttermarket.
All the LGBT+ community and allies are invited to gather, pay their respects, and mourn the loss of a young life.
We offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to Brianna's family and friends.
LGBT History Month events
LGBT History Month takes place every February across the UK, celebrating all LGBTQ+ individuals and communities, and taking time to reflect on the struggles of the past, and what still needs to change.
Help us celebrate where we are, and be part of the change towards a truly inclusive community.
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LGBTQ+ support
We have a number of LGBTQ+ support networks for our students and staff.
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Trans Support Group
We have a free, peer-support group for all trans, intersex and non-binary gender people at Kent.
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Kent Union LGBTQ+ Network
The LGBTQ+ Network acts as a voice for LGBTQ+ Students in both the University and the Union.
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LGBTQ+ Staff Network
Our network encourages people from all sexual orientations and gender identities to get involved.
LGBTQ+ History at Kent
We have taken a deep dive into the Special Collections Archives at the University of Kent to explore our LGBTQ+ history. If you know of anything that we should add, let us know on StudentEDI@kent.ac.uk
1973-1974
The University Gay Liberation Group organises and hosts the 1st National Lesbian Conference.
There are links with radical women, political Left and national gay liberation groups, and they face letter attacks by the National Front in the press.
1975-1976
GaySoc are mentioned for the first time and are one of the first Union societies established. They organise a successful National Festival of Gay Arts. They love discos!
1978-1979
GayLine is established. It was open every Saturday between 8pm and 8am and run by gay men and women.
The Student Union Handbook mentions GaySoc, GayLine and a Women's Group
A Gay Christians group is established.
1986-1987
The Student Union Handbook includes information on the Women's Office, Niteline and Gayline and a two-page article on 'Exploding the Myths About Aids'.
1987-1988
The Student Union fights against Section 28 with the campaign 'Get Your Clause Out Of Our Lives'.
1988-1989
Hearsay, the Women's Handbook, mentions the Canterbury Lesbian Group and the Canterbury Lesbian Line, and a student interview about being an out lesbian at UKC. The Women's Officer promotes gay rights.
1989-1990
A Positive Image Group 'PIG' is created. A new 'Smash the Section' campaign against Section 28 is launched. Welfare information about Aids and safer sex is included in the Kent Student Union Annual Report.
1996-1997
The University of Kent Student Union has a Gay and Bisexual Rights Vice President and a Lesbian and Bisexual Rights Vice President.
There is a campaign to 'Paint The Cathedral Pink' and advice for gay-friendly nights out in the Student Union manual.
2015-2016
Kent celebrates LGBT History Month as part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations.
The University sponsors the first Pride March in Canterbury. Staff and students march together.
The LGBTQ+ Mythbusters are created.
2017-2018
On-campus support group for Trans and Non-Binary people, TG Pals, is set up.
1st Trans Student Support Policy for students transitioning created.
LGBT+ Role Models Exhibition 'Out and Proud' featured LGBT people and allies sharing their stories
2019-2020
Kent Union introduces the LGBTQ+ Network to replace the Part-Time Officer roles.
The University creates safety guidance for LGBTQ+ students seeking to study or travel abroad.
2021-2022
Kent launches the Rainbow Lanyards for staff and students
The University hosts the Lambeth Conference and holds its first on-campus Pride march as part of the protest activity
Kent sponsors Medway Pride
Students create a LGBTQ+ In Lockdown exhibition
2022-2023
Kent launches the Gender Affirmation Fund; a pot of money to support students who identify as transgender, non-binary or gender neutral and can be used to help support students with the costs of gender affirming items.