Movies, meet-ups, music and more: UCB hosts special programme of events for LGBT History Month

University College Birmingham will be celebrating the LGBT community this February through a special programme of activities to mark LGBT History Month.

Held throughout the UK every February, LGBT History Month is an annual month-long event highlighting the achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and the history of the gay rights movement, with ‘Poetry, Prose and Plays’ serving as this year’s theme.

And to mark the occasion, the University and the UCB Guild of Students will be holding a range of activities across campus and around Birmingham throughout the month, with all students and staff invited to take part.

Upcoming events include an LGBT community meet-up, film screenings and discussions, plus sessions involving crafts, poetry and literature.

LGBT dance group Sheekie will be holding a series of workshops on campus for which students and staff can sign up, culminating in a special performance at Summer Row on 28 February.

There will also be a 'Time to Talk' session hosted by Birmingham LGBT at The Link on 7 February, as well as external events in conjunction with the city's SHOUT Festival.

And to show further support for the University's LGBT community, students and staff will be encouraged to wear something rainbow-coloured every Wednesday, while there will also be rainbow flags around campus and even rainbow-themed treats at the Cakes and Bakes shop in Summer Row.

Professor Stephen Wordsworth, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Curriculum and Student Experience), said: "At UCB we are rightly proud to recognise and celebrate the diversity and heritage of our students, and our community as a whole.

"Naturally we are delighted to support a range of activities for LGBT History Month which we would encourage anyone to take part in.

"Our aim at UCB is to provide a safe and supportive environment for all our students and staff who identify as LGBT, and to help encourage and create greater awareness."

Further activities are planned beyond February in the lead up to Birmingham Pride on 23-24 May, with the Guild's LGBT Society also offering regular socials, events and campaigns.

Last year's Pride festival saw the University enter its first-ever Pride float (pictured above), with students and staff hopping on board for the parade tour around the city centre.

See the full programme of events for LGBT History Month at the University here, and find out more about the Guild of Students' LGBT Society here.