LGBT+ History Month
Celebrating LGBT+ history and culture at the University of Plymouth
What is LGBT+ History Month?
LGBT+ History Month is an annual celebration that provides education and insight into the issues faced by the LGBT+ community and works to combat prejudice against them, it takes place each February in the UK.
The LGBT+ History Month 2026 theme is Science and Innovation. This is focusing on highlighting the vital contributions of LGBT+ individuals in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and addressing global challenges, while also acknowledging historical harms like the medical pathologization of queer identities.
Each year we choose five LGBT+ historical figures in line with the theme to highlight. This year we have chosen:
- Barbara Burford, a medical researcher who established NHS equality and diversity guidelines
- Charles Beyer, a locomotive engineer and a founding member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers
- Elke Mackenzie, a botanist who researched lichens in Antarctica
- Jemma Redmond, a biotechnologist who developed 3D bioprinters to create tissues and organs
- Robert Boyle, a founder of modern chemistry and of the modern scientific method
This page is a virtual celebration of our LGBT+ history as well as featuring all you need to know about in-person and virtual LGBT+ History Month celebrations at the University of Plymouth and beyond.
Why celebrate it?
LGBT+ History is often hidden within our society, culture and institutions due to homophobic and transphobic laws of the past as well as discriminatory and prejudiced attitudes today and so we need to uncover and celebrate LGBT+ history whenever we can as the better we understand our past, the brighter our future. It is thanks to brave queer people in the LGBT civil rights movement, particularly trans women and queer people of colour, that we have many of the rights we take for granted today and LGBT+ History Month is our opportunity to shine a light on those stories and celebrate their legacy.
Learn about LGBT+ history and culture
LGBT+ Allies Training:
training course for staff on being an effective ally
Plymouth LGBT+ Archive:
learn about the fascinating queer past of Plymouth and the South West
Library Guides:
find some great LGBT+ resources in the University Library
Trans Awareness Training:
staff can learn how to best support trans staff and students
Pronouns explained:
if you're confused about pronouns then check out our handy guide
LGBT+ Staff Network
Our LGBT+ Staff Network is our longest-standing and one of our largest staff networks and they warmly welcome new members throughout the year for social events, professional development and confidential support. Membership is confidential and any LGBT+ member of University or UPSU staff can join.
Become an LGBT+ Ally!
Are you passionate about supporting your LGBT+ colleagues and students? If you identify as heterosexual and/or cisgender but still want to help the University of Plymouth address LGBT+ equality then you may wish to join our vibrant LGBT+ Allies Network!
Take part in an upcoming event
Explore LGBT+ titles
at the University library
LGBT+ Inclusion
Discrimination and harassment on the grounds of sexual orientation or transgender status are unacceptable and not tolerated at the University of Plymouth. We aim to create an environment that welcomes all and celebrates everyone for who they are.
We are a proud Stonewall Diversity Champion, we sponsor Plymouth Pride in August every year and host Pride on Campus every May along with the Students' Union. As well as this we are here to offer practical support and guidance to all LGBT+ staff and students.
