Here’s a look back at the fantastic events that took place at St Mary’s to mark LGBTQ+ History Month at St Mary’s this February.
Flag raising
We launched LGBT+ History Month kicked off the month by raising the Progress Pride Flag in Student Square on Thursday 1st February. The flag has proudly flown there for the entire month of February.
Charity Bake Sale
The Flag Raising event was accompanied by a Charity Bake Sale featuring delicious cakes and cookies baked and/or donated by St Mary’s staff, students and Catering team.
As a result, we raised at total of £164.45 in aid of Switchboard, the LGBT+ Helpline.
LGBTQ+ Student Survey
The same day we also launched our first ever Simmie LGBTQ+ Student Experience Survey which is open to ALL students regardless of whether or not you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community.
By completing the confidential survey, students will have the chance to win one of three £50 vouchers for a shop of their choice.
The survey will close on Friday 15th March 2024.
The survey responses will aid in creating actionable initiatives to enhance the overall experience for all students at St. Mary's and to shape a more inclusive and dynamic campus environment.
Trans and Non-Binary Policy
On 8th February our new Trans and Non-Binary Student Policy was released.
This policy complements the University’s existing Trans and Non-Binary Equality Policy for Staff and provides a supportive framework for students who are trans or non-binary, or who plan to transition during their time at St Mary’s. It also highlights sources of support available to trans and non-binary students and aims to be informative and supportive for both staff and students. It includes a transition support checklist to assist staff in guiding students through the process as smoothly as possible.
LGBTQ+ Advertising Talk
On 12th February Eleonore Murauer, the e-Innovation Director for Reckitt’s Intimate Wellness brands and global lead of the company’s LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group held a very informative, interactive and thought-provoking discussion exploring the portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community through the lens of advertisement and the impact it has had on the community.
“I’m Proud” Photo Exhibition
This exhibition in the ground floor corridors of E, F & G blocks featured photographs of St Mary’s staff and students - both members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies.
The black and white photos with a rainbow ribbon colourwash featured text explaining how each participant is proud to be part of or an ally to the LGBTQ+ community.
Art & Wellbeing Workshop
On Thursday 22nd February staff and students attended a lunchtime creative wellbeing workshop led by, Person Centred therapeutic arts practitioner, Jens Welch (They/Them). There they learned how creativity can positively impact your health, mood and increase focus, whilst creating their own artistic “masterpieces”.
Thank you to everyone who participated in or attended any of these events.
LGBT+ History Month, is an annual celebration of the lives of LGBT+ people who have a long history of making incredible contributions to the UK - but whose stories have often been missing from the history books. So, we hope that our activities this month have helped inform and educate our staff and students in support of St Mary’s commitment to creating equal opportunities for all our students and providing a positive learning environment that is free from discrimination, as supported by our University values.