University of Reading marks global LGBT+ day
Release Date 17 May 2016
The University of Reading and Reading University Students' Union (RUSU) will mark International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBiT) today with a series of events.
IDAHOBiT is the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT+) solidarity event to take place throughout the globe with over 1,000 events taking place in more than 120 countries worldwide.
The day's events will begin at 1pm when Vice-Chancellor Sir David Bell and RUSU President Oli Ratcliffe will be joined by staff, students and the local community in raising the rainbow flag on the Whiteknights campus.
This will be followed up with a gender identity workshop at 2pm in the Students' Union. The workshop will explore the topic of gender identity with representatives from the University's LGBT+ society, local community groups and students.
The day will be rounded off with a panel discussion event at 7pm discussing the theme of ‘why are allies important to the LGBT+ movement?'
In addition, staff and students are being encouraged to share photos with the University and RUSU's social media channels, wearing rainbow-themed clothing and accessories - in support of the global campaign.
Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Reading, said: "Recognising International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia is critical for the University in maintaining a tough stance against discrimination in all forms. Continuing to foster a safe and inclusive environment is critical to our staff and students achieving their full potential. The University has already taken a number of steps to ensure that diversity is recognised among our academic staff and we are working hard to improve our position on the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, aspiring to be in top 50 by 2020."
Peter Miles, RUSU LGBT+ Officer, said: "Days like this remind us all of the strides we've made in addressing homophobia, biphobia and transphobia, but it also reminds us of the work we still need to do. I am proud to be at a University that so openly welcomes LGBT+ students, as it shows that when we work together, we can cause massive change. While the future is never certain, I am excited and confident we can tackle the challenges that lay ahead."
To find out more about IDAHOBiT, visit http://dayagainsthomophobia.org.