1 February is an important date in the Equality calendar as it marks the start of?LGBT+ History Month.?Chosen to coincide with the abolition of Section 28 in February 2003, the month is a time to celebrate the achievements of LGBT+ figures throughout history.??

Andrew Landells, Chair of?UoS?Pulse LGBT+ Staff Network writes, “This is an important event for the LGBT+ community, as we have not always been well-represented historically. History Month gives us an opportunity to recognise the contributions of those members of our community whose legacies may not be as prominent in our culture.”?

UoS?Pulse LGBT+ Network will be organising?two?safe listening spaces?for network members and the?University community to participate in?during LGBT+?History Month.?It will provide colleagues?the opportunity to?share their stories?in a safe environment, where their voices will be heard?about the positive and?negative experiences?they?may have?faced.??

The?dates?are as follows:?

Monday?1 February 2021?– Safe Listening Space?(Network Members Only)?

Monday?15 February 2021 –?Safe Listening Space?(University community)??

Staff and students across the University will be organising a series of events for LGBT+?History Month.??

For more information on all events taking place during LGBT+?History Month please go to the?UoS Pulse Staff Network Sharepoint.? Follow the hashtag #UoSLGBTHM?on Twitter ?to find out more about our events.

If you are interested in becoming a member of Pulse LGBT+ Staff network or would like to attend the safe listening spaces, please email?UoSLGBT@soton.ac.uk?or the EDI Team at?diversity@soton.ac.uk??