Every February it’s LGBT+ History Month and this year marks 50 years since the Stonewall Riots, a pivotal moment in LGBT+ history.
Lincoln’s LGBT+ community are working together to put on lots of events that coincide with this year’s themes of peace, activism and reconciliation, whilst also raising money for Pride this September.
The University of Lincoln’s LGBT+ Campaign Network Group consists of 40 members meeting once a week, and regularly interacts with external organisations related to LGBT+ issues and awareness.
They also work closely with the LGBT+ group at Bishop Grosseteste University and non-students across all of Lincoln.
The Campaign Network Group held an LGBT+ coffee morning in The Swan earlier today, so that people had the opportunity to meet the committee, and discuss, in a relaxed environment, experiences of LGBT+ issues and how the group works alongside the SU.
President of LGBT+, Jacob Ford, said: “The LGBT+ community in Lincoln is bigger than people realise, despite still being a minority group.
“I’ve only been in this role a month. The community is very close, but it doesn’t mean they don’t welcome new people. Everybody is is able to contact us and reach out for support or information.
“History month is incredible and the work that the LGBT+ group and the SU have put in to make these events happen is incredible.”
Throughout this month, the University’s LGBT+ Campaign Network Group is running a ‘Queerz’ quiz night with the Uni Boob Team; and two movie nights at the Wildwood restaurant on the High street.
Their closing event on the 28th will see guest speakers, student performances and opportunities to meet external organisations that work with LGBT+ people.
Lincoln’s LGBT+ club, The Scene, held a “Scene Queen Comedy Roast” on Saturday 2nd February to raise money for Pride in September.
Student Hannah O’Neill went to the Comedy Roast night and said: “It was a great evening. Me and my friends thought it was hilarious.”
They also have a Quids In Traffic Light Party, Valentine’s Drag Ball, and Quids In Space Raiders Party lined up for February.
One Lincoln pub, The Lion and Snake, is also holding an LGBT+ night. There will be a Lady Gaga tribute act performing at 8pm on 6th February.