The beginning of February sees the start of LGBTQ+ History Month, an annual celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and achievements, while remembering the struggles and activism that paved the way for progress over the years. Starting in 2005, marking the repeal of section 28 (the legislation that stopped young people learning about the LGBTQ+ community and homosexuality in schools

Despite progress in the long fight for LGBTQ+ equality, It's important to take note of the difference between cultural and legislative change, along with the current shift against the community.

• People in the LGBTQ+ community still face discrimination and exclusion - students are twice as likely to be bullied or excluded compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers. (Just Like Us,2021)

• 51% of LGBTQ+ People would not feel comfortable living in retirement housing without LGBTQ+ specific considerations. (LGBT Foundation, 2020)
• 37% of LGBTQ+ respondents said that they had “experienced discrimination by someone else's behaviour, attitudes or language while exercising or trying to exercise” (YouGov, 2026)

Each year the month follows a theme, highlighting historic members of the LGBTQ+ community. This year's theme is ‘Science and Innovation’, spotlighting the following people:

• Barbara Burford: A medical researcher who established NHS equality and diversity guidelines.
• Charles Beyer: A locomotive engineer and a founding member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.
• Elke Mackenzie: A botanist who researched lichens in Antarctica.
• Jemma Redmond: A biotechnologist who developed 3D bioprinters to create tissues and organs.
• Robert Boyle: A founder of modern chemistry and of the modern scientific method.

Here at the University of Lancashire Students’ Union, we align ourselves with Preston Pride, to make sure all students are supported around campus and in the local community. To mark the month, the pride flag will be raised in University Square and here at the Students’ Union we’ll be hosting events thoughtout the month:

LGBTQIA* Breakfast

LGBTQIA* House Meeting

LGBTQIA* Get Together

Film Screening: Unicorn

LGBTQIA* Harris Museum Trip

Communities

Join one (or more) of our student groups and communities.

LGBTQIA Community

LGBTQ+ Society

Trans Society

The Students’ Union aims to support all students from all backgrounds, identities, and sexualities, not only during Pride month but all year long, through the events we hold and advice services available. For those struggling within the community and seeking advice, our advice and wellbeing services are here for you. It is important to us that everyone feels welcome and finds a sense of belonging with us and within the University.

Support and Wellbeing 

Hate Crime Reporting