Throughout June, the University will celebrate lesbian, gay, bi, trans, non-binary and queer (LGBTQ+) culture and experiences with a series of online events.

June is Pride month, a time dedicated to celebrating LGBTQ+ lives and experiences all around the world.

It represents an opportunity for the Lancaster community to reflect on all the ways University members can contribute to creating a welcoming, supportive and inclusive environment for all LGBTQ+ students and employees.

At Lancaster, staff and students are invited to take part in a series of events that have been organised by the LGBT+ Staff Network with the support of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team.

Information about a range of initiatives has also been gathered to help members of the University community find out more about support and opportunities available.

Leslie Hallam, Course Director, Psychology of Advertising Masters, said: “Non-LGBTQ+ staff and students would benefit from celebrating Pride in the same way as they would benefit from attending any culturally significant event, especially when this marks and celebrates a way of life, a way of living, which is different to one’s own. This is how we grow, this is how we develop as individuals, as families, as communities.”

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Steve Bradley said: “During Pride Month, we want to celebrate LGBTQ+ staff and students’ amazing impact on and off campus.

“As members of the Stonewall Diversity Champion programme, we aim to ensure that all our LGBTQ+ employees and students are recognised and feel included. Particularly in a time where we continue being separated by COVID-19, Pride reminds us of the challenges the LGBTQ+ community continues to face. Even remotely, we can play a role as allies to build up a more diverse and fairer institution.

“Happy Pride celebrations to all Lancaster staff and students.”

Pride events and activities at Lancaster University

Pride flag on campus

1-3 June

The Pride flag will be raised on campus for the first three days of June to signal the University’s commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion. The Pride flag was created in 1978 by artist Gilbert Baker for San Francisco's upcoming Pride celebrations. It reflects the many groups within the LGBTQ+ community.

‘First, Do no Harm’: The Journey and Trajectory of Western Advertising

9 June, 1-2pm

This presentation by Leslie Hallam features an analysis of the journey of western advertising towards encouraging greater acceptance of alternative lifestyles. Registration is available for free on Eventbrite.

LGBT+ Staff Network social

10 June 2021, 1-2pm

A chance to socialise with other people in the Staff LGBT+ Network. If you would like to join, or have any issues or discussion points you’d like to raise, please email lgbtstaffnetwork@lancaster.ac.uk.

Pulse night of remembrance vigil

12 June, 7pm

The LGBTQ+ Forum is hosting a vigil to remember the Pulse nightclub shootings. Full details about the event will be announced on the Forum’s social media closer to the event, once arrangements have been finalised.

Beyond the Binary: Acknowledging Gender Identities and Expressions in the Workplace

16th June, 2-3pm

In this session Jessica Aiston, Kore Garner and Giuseppe Zago will discuss projects developed by Lancaster University staff and researchers to help avoid discriminating against or excluding people based on their gender identities or expressions. Registration is available for free on Eventbrite.

‘Safe Home Base’ meeting: A conversation with Dan Barcroft

22 June 2021, 1-2pm

For this LGBTQIA+ Ally Network meeting, the University has invited Dan Barcroft, formerly of Lancaster University and now Director of Student Recruitment, Marketing and Admissions at the University of Sheffield, to talk about the importance of celebrating Pride at a higher education institution, and the positive effects of representation and visibility for LGBTQ+ staff and students. To join the Ally Network and find out how to attend the event, please visit the EDI website.

Pride Picnic on Campus, Lake Carter

23 June, 12-1pm

Come on to campus for a picnic beside Lake Carter. Bring your own food, blankets, flags and games and help make this a truly celebratory event.

Pride, Mental Health and Inclusive Representation

30 June, 2-3pm

A panel of Lancaster professionals (Student Wellbeing Services; Marketing and Communication) and students (LGBTQ+ forum) reflect upon the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people over the past year in terms of mental health and visibility, while offering some insight on lessons learned, support available and unexpected positive changes to keep for the future. The event will be held on Teams (further details to come).

Local Pride parades and events

Blackpool Pride offers a virtual event on 5 June, while the Morecambe Pride is scheduled for 31 July. The Lancaster edition is due to take place on 22 August and Cumbria Pride is schedule for 25September.

More information and support

LGBT+ Staff Network

The LGBT+ Staff Network supports and empowers LGBT+ staff and postgraduate students. You can contact the LGBT+ Staff Network at lgbtstaffnetwork@lancaster.ac.uk and follow them on Twitter @LancasterStaff

LGBTQIA+ Ally Network

The LGBTQIA+ Ally Network 'Safe Home Base' is available for members of our University community for guidance and help. You can find more information on the LGBTQIA+ Ally Network, including a list of LGBTQIA+ Allies for each department, on the EDI website.

LGBTQ+ Forum

The LGBTQ+ Forum is a Students’ Union sub-committee that operates as a Forum. Any student at the university can be a member, and university or Students’ Union staff can be members upon request. They aim to be as diverse, inclusive, and accepting as possible.

Policy on gender identity and expression

The University has developed a policy and guidance for staff and students to recognise and support everyone's gender identity and expression. You can find the policy and Q&A document on the University Equality, Diversity and Inclusion website.

Use of pronouns in email signatures

The University email signature gives the option to include gender pronouns as it helps normalise the practice and is an easy way to prevent mis-gendering. To find out more, access the Use a university email signature item on Answers.

Report bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct

Stonewall reports that 42% of LGBT students have hidden their identity at university for fear of discrimination. Lancaster University is committed to providing a progressive, collaborative and healthy environment for learning, living, visiting and working. Find out more about reporting bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct and the support available.

Specialist support

On Lancaster’s website you can access a huge range of local, national and global specialist support to help improve your wellbeing, including LGBT+ - specific resources.

LGBTQ+ resources in the media

The LGBT+ Staff Network has put together a list of resources to inform and engage Lancaster staff and students during Pride season. You can access more resources also on the Lancaster University Library LGBTQ+ LibGuide.