Xiaohongshu
LGBTQ+ History Month, a month of joy celebration and advocacy, has just come to a close, but what an incredible month it was – from crafting workshops to sports sessions, there was something for everyone.
Everything we got up to
The LGBTQ+ Network was hard at work organising an array of events to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community at UCL. One highlight was a lesbian poetry workshop held just a few days before Valentine’s Day. The Network also collaborated with Analogue Magazine Society to create Printed in Pride, an immersive, walk-through magazine experience. In addition, students got crafty at a queer icon badge-making workshop in partnership with Badge Cafe.
Intersectionality was at the forefront of the Month’s events, with a screening of Moonlight, as well as a Henna Night, the latter ran by Students' Union UCL’s Queer Trans People of Colour Network. Another particular event highlight was ‘The Saree Unfolded’, a workshop that explored the saree’s history and the stories it carries, emphasising the voices and experiences of queer BIPOC communities.
TeamUCL put together ‘The Gender Inclusion Hub’, a page which provides information and resources on sport and physical activity for students who express a different gender to the one assigned to them at birth. From gender neutral facilities, to sports clubs, and representation, it is a detailed new resource for students.
The 'La Luchadora' cocktail was also back this year, with £1 from each sale being donated to the Gender Expression Fund: a dedicated fund to help trans students live more comfortably in their gender. This month, we raised £336 to donate to the fund!
What's next
While the History Month may be over, it is important to remember that the work and advocacy is far from it. The LGBTQ+ Network hosts events throughout the year, and we're particularly excited about the upcoming Queer Art Festival. We must continue to celebrate and platform our LGBTQ+ community on campus, and beyond.