LGBT History Month
LGBT+ History Month
LGBT+ History Month takes place every February across the UK, celebrating all LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities, and taking time to reflect on the struggles of the past, and what still needs to change.
The 2026 theme is Science & Innovation, which will highlight the contributions of LGBT+ people historically and today
LGBT+ History Month events
LGBT+ History Month takes place every February across the UK, celebrating all LGBTQIA+ 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.
Tens across the board: A decade of Margate Pride
Friday 27 February, 7-8:30pm - Foyle Rooms, Turner Contemporary
Reflect on Margate Pride's history as an arts-and-culture-led, grassroots Pride for the last ten years, and think about what the future may hold
LGBTQIA+ Information and Support
We have a number of LGBTQIA+ support initiatives for our students and staff LGBTQIA+ communities.
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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 Students' 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
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Gender Affirmation Fund
To support students, the University of Kent created the Gender Affirmation Fund
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Report and Support
More information on our reporting tool for staff and students and accessing further support
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Safe Zone
An app to help you summon first-aid, security or safety assistance on campus via your mobile phone
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LGBTQIA+ Student Life Guide
As recommended by LGBTQIA students!
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Kent Star & LGBTQ+ Leader Sid
Hear from LGBTQ+ Leader Sid and how they have made a positive impact on our LGBTQIA community
Staff Events and Resources
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Breaking Barriers
Webinar on how LGBTQ+ history shapes today’s workplace
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Proactive and Lawful Inclusion
Event focusing on proactive and lawful inclusion of Trans and Non-Binary People
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Introduction to LGBTQ+ Allyship
Workshop providing practical and relevant advice to help you embed inclusive practices
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Mermaids Training
Tailored, CPD certified gender diversity training modules for professionals
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Trans Inclusion on Campus
Register your interest as an Advance HE member
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Transforming the experience of students who are Trans
Participatory Action Research
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LGBTQ+ Guide
Information, advice and guidance on creating a more inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ colleagues
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LGBTQ+ Terminology
Understanding the language and terminology of the LGBTQ+ community
Inclusive Living at Kent
From September 2026, we will be offering specific LGBTQ+ accommodation for the first time at Kent
LGBTQIA+ Charities and Organisations
Gay Outdoor Club
Members club and charity for everyone in the LGBTQI+ community who wants to enjoy outdoor activities
Galop
Support LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse and violence
LGBT Foundation
A national charity delivering advice, support and information services to LGBT communities
Mermaids
Trans focused charity supporting trans, non-binary and gender diverse children and young people
Mind Out
A mental health service run by and for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ+) people
Stonewall
UK human rights charity fighting for Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, and Queer+ equality
The Be You Project
Connects LGBTQ+ young people and provides support and advice for parents/ carers and families
Switchboard LGBT+
A national LGBTQIA+ support line with all volunteers self-defining as LGBT+
Affirmations Wall
Find the Affirmations Wall all month in the Templeman Library (Library Café). This space is to write notes of love and positivity to your younger self, your future self, your friends, your loved ones, anyone you think would benefit from a positive message.
Gender Neutral Toilet Map
Did you know we have a Gender Neutral Toilet Map? Developed by the LGBTQIA Student Voices Project researcher and Kent Star, Sid Conner, this is a useful guide to locating your closest GN facility. We are working to update this as new facilities are developed.
Jayne Ozanne
Jayne Ozanne was made a Doctor of the University in November 2024 in recognition of her advocacy against discrimination. She is a prominent gay Christian who works to ensure full inclusion of all LGBT+ people, particularly LGBT+ people of faith. Listen to her talk about her work in her acceptance speech.
Kent Students' Union LGBT History Month
Don't forget to check out Kent Students' Union's LGBT History Month webpages for loads of events, activities and resources, including the Curiosity Hub to discover more!
LGBTQIA Voices Project
In 2024, Kent Students' Union ran a research project into the experiences of LGBTQIA students at Kent. Learn more about that work and the results of the project
LGBTQ+ Literature
We have developed a huge amount of resources for you to learn and discover more.
Featured story
LGBT+ Icons 2026
Every year national LGBT HM selects five historical figures whose work embodies the national theme to highlight.
Barbara Burford, 1944-2010
A medical researcher who established NHS equality and diversity guidelines
Charles Beyer, 1813-1876
A locomotive engineer and a founding member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers
Elke Mackenzie, 1911-1990
A botanist who researched lichens in Antarctica
Jemma Redmond, 1978-2016
A biotechnologist who developed 3D bioprinters to create tissues and organs
Robert Boyle, 1627–1691
A founder of modern chemistry and of the modern scientific method
LGBTQIA+ History at Kent
We have taken a deep dive into the Special Collections Archives at the University of Kent to explore our LGBTQIA+ 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.