LGBTQ+ History Month 2026
UK LGBTQ+ History Month takes place every February and provides an opportunity to recognise, celebrate and reflect on the contributions of LGBTQ+ people past and present.
At NTU, the month is an important moment to raise awareness, promote inclusion, and support a sense of belonging for all members of our community.
February 2026 marks the 22nd year of UK LGBTQ+ History Month, bringing people across the UK together to acknowledge progress made, reflect on ongoing challenges, and look ahead to a more inclusive future in education, work and society.
This year’s theme Science & Innovation, highlights the vital contributions of LGBTQ+ people working in science, technology, engineering, medicine and research. From healthcare and biotechnology to environmental science and engineering, LGBTQ+ innovators have played a key role in shaping the world we live in today.
At a time when scientific advancement is critical, from responding to climate change to improving health outcomes, diversity within science and innovation matters. Inclusive environments enable better thinking, stronger collaboration and more impactful solutions. This theme recognises the importance of visibility and representation, and celebrates the LGBTQ+ people behind scientific progress.
Events and initiatives
LGBTQ+ History Month is a chance for all of us to show up, learn and stand in solidarity. We welcome everyone to join the events and initiatives running throughout the month.
Insights into Fertility and IVF
Wednesday 4 February at 12-1.00 pm
- Speaker: James Hopkisson
- Audience: Staff and students
- Location: Online via Microsoft Teams (join using this link).
Before you join, please complete our sign-up form: LGBTQ+ History Month: IVF Talk with Nuture Health sign-up form.
What to expect: Learn about the science behind fertility treatment, evolving career pathways in STEM, and inclusive care for LGBTQ+ patients, alongside the legal and funding landscape of reproductive healthcare. The session also explores health inequalities, the personal rewards of working in the field, and the life-changing impact of fertility treatment.
Pride, Home and Hope: An LGBTQ+ History Month Celebration
Saturday 7 February at 10.00 am-9.00 pm
- Host: NTU Arts and Culture
- Audience: Staff and students
- Location: Bonington Atrium, Bonington Building, Dryden Street, Nottingham, NG1 4GG
Before you attend, please reserve your place via ticket source.
What to expect: A reflective writing workshop focused on safety, protection, and belonging, alongside conversations with writers and artists exploring queer folklore, myths, and literature. There will also be hands-on craft and writing sessions centred on poetry, performance, and queerness, as well as stalls from LGBTQ+ organisations and community groups.
Coffee & Crafts: LGBTQ+ History Month Social (Clifton)
Wednesday 11 February at 1-2.00 pm (drop-in)
- Audience: Staff
- Location: Clifton Pavilion 123
What to expect: Enjoy a relaxed drop-in session with coffee, crafts, and conversation, offering a welcoming space to connect with colleagues and celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month.
Aging and dementia in the transgender and gender diverse population
Wednesday 18 February at 12-1.00 pm.
- Speaker: Dr Nat Thorne
- Audience: Staff and students
- Host: LGBTQ+ Staff Network
- Location: Online via Microsoft Teams (join using this link)
Before you join, complete our sign-up form: Aging and dementia in the transgender and gender diverse population sign-up form.
What to expect: Gain insight into trans-focused research, exploring key themes, findings, and their relevance to LGBTQ+ communities and allies.
Stonewall online webinar: LGBTQ+ Inclusion for Parents and Carers
Thursday 19 February at 2.00 pm.
- Audience: Staff and students
- Location: Online - Webinar Registration - Zoom
What to expect: Gain insights on how parents and carers can support LGBTQ+ inclusion and navigate conversations about identity and inclusion at home.
Coffee & Crafts: LGBTQ+ History Month Social (City)
Wednesday 25 February at 1-2.00 pm (drop-in)
- Audience: Staff
- Location: NEWN34
What to expect: Take time out to unwind, get creative, and connect with colleagues in a friendly, informal social celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month.
Other ways you can get involved:
- Attend as many events as you can and encourage others to join you. Every conversation and shared experience helps build a more inclusive NTU.
- Join the LGBTQ+ Network and become part of the community driving change year-round.
- Share your involvement on social media using the hashtag #LGBTQ+Month
- Contact us at EDI@ntu.ac.uk to advertise your events.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at NTU
NTU is committed to strategically advancing equality, diversity and inclusion and promoting a culture of engagement built on respect.
As part of UK LGBTQ+ History Month, we reaffirm our commitment to creating an inspirational and inclusive learning and working environment where every member of our community can thrive and achieve their potential.
This month offers an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community and to strengthen our shared responsibility in building a culture where everyone feels valued, supported, and able to participate fully in university life.
Please email us if you have a question for the EDI Team.
LGBTQ+ Equality Action Plan
At NTU, we are committed to furthering equality for all colleagues and students. One of our aims for this year is to develop an LGBTQ+ Action Plan developed in consultation with staff and student stakeholders across the institution. The development of these plans will be led by co-chairs Dr Liam Cahill (Senior Lecturer in Psychology) and Claire Brown (Director of Strategic Policy and Projects).
As a gay man, I’m very aware that the rights and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people have never progressed by accident. Being appointed co-chair of the LGBTQ+ Action Plan Group matters because the current social and political climate, particularly following the recent Supreme Court ruling for trans folks, shows how quickly hard-won protections can be questioned or undermined. This role is about ensuring our institution responds thoughtfully, ethically, and with evidence, so that LGBTQ+ staff and students are supported in practice, not just in principle.
Dr. Liam Cahill
I feel very proud to have been appointed Co-Chair of the LGBTQ+ Action Plan Group. I’m looking forward to working with a range colleagues and students across our community to further improve and embed LGBTQ+ equality within NTU as we create our action plan. February provides an important opportunity to both celebrate achievements throughout history and raise awareness of key issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community, both past and present.
Claire Brown
Discover more about LGBTQ+ at NTU
LGBTQ+ Health & Wellbeing Research
LGBTQ+ Life & Community
NTU celebrates diversity and inclusivity for students of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Explore our supportive community, LGBTQ+ events and societies, and the networks that help ensure every voice is heard and valued across campus life.