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University of Reading

Support our LGBT+ staff and students on IDAHOBiT Day

Tuesday, 08 May 2018

LGBT Ally postcard

LGBT+ Ally session on 14 May

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building our LGBT+ allies network, and on marking the 30th anniversary of Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 – repealed only in 2003 - which stated that local authorities shall not “promote the teaching in any maintained school of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship”.

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 the VC and our staff and student LGBT networks. 14 May (12.00-13.30pm, Nike Lecture Theatre, Agriculture). Includes lunch. Book via Employee Self Service, or (if a student) by emailing Sinead O’Flynn.
  • 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 Plus Network our LGBT+ Student Society and Prof Robert Van de Noort, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic Planning and Resource. Please join us in support of our LGBT+ community. 
  • Wolfenden Seminar: “Section 28: Context, Impact, and Resistance” discussion panel featuring Rosemary Auchmuty, Eve Featherstone, Deb Heighes and Booan Temple. 24 May (4.00-5.30pm, G15, HBS). Book via Employee Self Service or via our Public Events Page.
  • Wolfenden Lecture: “Section 28: A Poisonous Law and Legacy” by internationally renowned internationally renowned LGBT+ and human rights activist Peter Tatchell, 24 May (7.00pm, G11, HBS). More info and booking via the Public Events Page.

Starting 14 May, we are again handing out LGBT+ Ally postcards and LGBT+ Ally lanyards from main receptions in Whiteknights House, Henley Business School, Palmer Building, RUSU, London Road and Greenlands. These proved very popular in LGBT History Month when over 600 rainbow lanyards were collected!

See our Diversity events page for more information.