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Support our LGBT+ staff and students on and around IDAHOBiT Day

17 May marks the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBiT), a date used worldwide to celebrate and show support for LGBT+ communities and to stimulate interest in and work on LGBT rights worldwide.

Our emphasis this year is on building our LGBT+ allies network, and on hearing the voices and reflecting on the experiences of trans people across the university and wider society.

Our events on and around the 17 May are:

• Becoming an LGBT Ally: info and sign-up session. A repeat of this popular and informative session, hosted by Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Parveen Yaqoob, and our staff and student LGBT networks. 15 May (13.00-14.30, Van Emden Lecture Theatre, Edith Morley). Includes lunch. Book via Employee Self Service, or (if a student) by emailing Sinead O’Flynn.
• Transgender Awareness Training. Given by former student Rosemary Taylor, this session looks at the range and variety of people who identify in one way or another as transgender. The variables of gender, sexuality and other aspects are explored and explained, including: What it is like to be Trans; Coming Out; Being Trans in Public; Being Trans at work; How do staff react to trans people? and with time for discussion, questions and answers. 16 May (10.00-12.00, G44, Edith Morley). Book via Employee Self Service, or (if a student) by emailing Sinead O’Flynn.
• Wolfenden Seminar: “Navigating identity institutionally: research findings and biographical notes on trans experiences in prisons, schools, and universities.” Speakers include Amy Austin (University of Reading), Clara Barker (University of Oxford), Mia Harris (Prison Reform Trust), and Rebecca Harris (University of Reading). 16 May (16.30-18.00pm, G10, HBS). Book info and booking via our Public Events Page.
• Wolfenden Lecture: “Our Trans lives: life, love and Lorraine”, given by Jake and Hannah Graf, where they discuss everything from their transgender lives through to Lorraine Kelly’s sofa. Hannah came out as transgender in 2013  and became the highest ranking transgender officer within the British Army.  16 May (7.00pm, G11, HBS). More info and booking via the Public Events Page.
• Rainbow Flag-Raising for 17 May, the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.  At 1.00pm, a special flag-raising ceremony will take place between Whiteknights House and the Library, led by our LGBT+ Network, the RUSU Diversity and LGBT+ officerse, and Prof Parveen Yaqoob, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation and the UEB LGBT+ Champion. Please join us in support of our LGBT+ community.

See our Diversity events page for more information.