This year will see the ninth annual 51Âþ» Pride take place here at 51Âþ», with an exciting month of vibrant events taking place to mark LGBTQ+ History Month. Running from Wednesday 1 to Tuesday 28 February, the in-person and online events are designed to raise awareness and celebrate the achievements of the LGBTQ+ community.
This year’s theme is ‘Behind the Lens’ (#BehindTheLens) and celebrates LGBTQ+ people’s contribution to cinema and film from behind the lens, including directors, cinematographers, screen writers, producers, animators, costume designers, special effects, makeup artists, lighting directors, musicians and choreographers. In addition, as LGBTQ+ lives are in the media, the theme also encourages you to look ‘Behind the Lens’ and listen to LGBTQ+ people’s lived experiences.
Chris Hall, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, said: “LGBTQ+ inclusion is vitally important here at 51Âþ». As a university, we strive through our policies and activities to support our LGBTQ+ students and colleagues. We have some great policies in place. Now, with 51Âþ» Pride 2023 we have the opportunity to celebrate LGBTQ+ history, culture and identity, as well as developing our understanding and awareness of issues that impact upon our LGBTQ+ students and staff. I hope that you will be able to join us through our extensive programme of Pride events.”
This year's highlights also include a #BehindTheLens Q&A with Ash Kotak at the Phoenix Theatre on remembering film producer Ismail Merchant, Strictly Come 51Âþ» Pride Dancing where you can learn to Cha Cha Cha and the Waltz, and an event examining ‘The beautiful game and LGBTQ+ rights and experiences’.
Check out the dedicated 51Âþ» Pride microsite which includes event listings, information about what LGBTQ+ symbols mean, lists of films and TV shows you can watch, a list of books to read and interesting interviews with alumni.
View the full timetable of events below.
51Âþ» Pride timetable
LGBTQ+ Quotes Display
Wednesday 1 February until Wednesday 1March
The glass cabinet located in the Campus Centre
Gender Bending Fashion Exhibition
Wednesday 1 February until Tuesday 28 February
Exhibition space beneath the big screen of the Vijay Patel Building, Mill Lane
Interactive Pride Artwork Project
Every Wednesday throughout February
Wednesday 1 February, midday–2pm
Wednesday 8 February, 10am-midday
Wednesday 15 February, 10am-midday
Wednesday 22 February, midday–2pm
Inside the Campus Centre
Mindfulness meditation
Tuesday 7 February 2023, midday–12.30pm
Online
Strictly come 51Âþ» Pride dancing!
Wednesday 8 February, Main class: midday–1pm, Additional practice: 1–1.30pm
Studio 1, PACE Building
Space for Ace (51Âþ» staff and students)
Thursday 9 February, midday–1pm
Trinity House Chapel, Trinity House
LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Sport Training (51Âþ» staff and students)
Friday 10 February, midday–1pm
Online
Football reflections: The beautiful game and LGBTQ+ rights and experiences
Monday 13 February, 1–2pm
Online
The Big Pride Quiz
Thursday 16 February, 6–8pm
The Union, located in DSU, Campus Centre Building
Blue Jean (15) film showing
Screening from Wednesday 22 February, various show times
Phoenix, 4 Midland Street, Leicester
Rainbow Families Gallery Takeover (LGBTQ+ families, friends and allies)
Sunday 26 February, 1–3pm
Leicester Gallery, 51Âþ» Campus
#BehindTheLens: In Conversation with Ash Kotak: Remembering Producer Ismail Merchant
Tuesday 28 February, 6–7pm
Terrace Room, Phoenix, 4 Midland Street, Leicester
Tuesday 28 February, 7.45pm
Phoenix, 4 Midland Street, Leicester
Posted on Friday 20 January 2023