LGBTQ+ History Month events and activities

LGBTQ+ History Month takes place across the UK every February to recognise and celebrate the history, achievements, and cultures of LGBTQ+ communities and individuals. Here at Birmingham, we are offering an exciting and diverse programme of events, and you're invited to join us in celebrating and commemorating LGBTQ+ history.

The theme for 2026 is Science and Innovation, highlighting key milestones reached by and for the LGBTQ+ community, including work happening here at the university.

Coming up

LGBTQ+ book display and badges: 2nd February midnight - 28th February midnight; Main Library; Come along to the Main Library Atrium any time this month to learn about LGBTQ+ contributions to the field of Science and Innovation. Find your next read to borrow, learn about LGBTQ+ scientific history, and take a badge and a sticker!

The Light of Day: Rediscovering a Gay Liberation’s Hero: 11th February 1pm - 2pm; Teaching and Learning Building; Come along for a thought-provoking conversation with Christopher Stephens, author of The Light of Day: the moving true story of the first man to come out as gay.

LGBTQ+ Association and Guild of Students: Drag Disco: 12th February 10pm - 3am; Joe's Bar, Guild of Students; Come along to our Drag Disco featuring, Ruby Boy, crowd games and high-energy performances that you won’t want to miss! This is an 18+ only event.

Teaching Bodies, Not Assumptions: advancing transgender and intersex inclusive anatomy education: 16th February 2pm - 3pm; Online; Join us for a reflection on transgender and intersex inclusive anatomy education initiatives developed as an Anatomy Teaching Fellow at the University of Birmingham.

B-Film: The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson: 16th February 5pm - 7pm; Carroll Room (G15), Muirhead Tower; Join B-Film to celebrate LGBTQ+ history month with a screening of The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson (2017), investigating the mystery surrounding the death of the self-described 'street queen' and black gay rights activist in 1992.

LGBTQ+ History Month MHFAider Session: 17th February 12:30pm - 1:30pm; Carroll Room (G15), Muirhead Tower; Join us for an Mental Health First Aid session exploring LGBTQ+ mental health data, ongoing challenges and stigma, and how lived experience shapes wellbeing.

LGBTQ+ narratives in health, history and everyday Life: 18th February 1pm - 3pm; Room UG06, Murray Learning Centre; Join us for a two-part event highlighting LGBTQ+ voices across research, healthcare, and lived experience in collaboration with the College of Medicine & Health and College of Engineering & Physical Sciences.

Disco Cycle: Musicals & Film!: 22nd February 5pm - 6pm; Sport & Fitness Centre; Everyone is welcome to our indoor cycling class collab between sport & Fitness and the Rainbow Network this LGBTQ+ History Month! This class is suitable for all abilities, trans safe, and free to book. Get moving to some film and musical classics!

Disco Cycle: 1950s-1980s anthems: 23rd February 7:15pm - 8pm; Sport & Fitness Centre; Everyone is welcome to our indoor cycling class collab between sport & Fitness and the Rainbow Network this LGBTQ+ History Month! We'll cycle through some classic anthems. This class is suitable for all abilities, trans safe, and free to book.

Coffee morning with your Guild Community Engagement Team: 24th February 11am - 1pm; Hey Brew Espresso, Bristol Road; Grab a coffee, meet your neighbours, and help shape the future of Selly! Join your Community Engagement Team for a relaxed coffee morning - this month's theme is LGBTQ+ allies and flat mate finder.

Disco Cycle - LGBTQ+ History Month! 1990s - Now Anthems: 24th February 4pm - 5pm; Sport & Fitness Centre; Everyone is welcome to our indoor cycling class collab between Sport & Fitness and the Rainbow Network this LGBTQ+ History Month! Get moving to iconic anthems from the 90s to now. This class is suitable for all abilities, trans safe and free to book.

LGBTQ+ History Month EPS event: 25th February noon - 2pm; Room LG11, Old Gym; Support and celebrate the transgender community within EPS, beginning with an overview of the University’s existing support structures and safety nets for transgender students and staff.

Film Screening: Rustin (2023): 25th February 5pm - 7pm; Muirhead Tower; The Rainbow Network is teaming up with the Race Equality Network this LGBTQ+ History Month for a joint film screening of Rustin (2023), the biographical drama about the life of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin.

Gendered Care: stereotypes and ideas around caring masculinities: 26th February noon - 1pm; Alan Walters building and online; Why does care remain gendered? How do masculinity stereotypes shape young people’s choices? What do LGBTQ+ histories reveal about caring masculinities? Join us for a reflective talk this LGBTQ+ History Month.

B-Film: Call Me By Your Name: 11th March 2pm - 4pm; Carroll Room (G15), Muirhead Tower; Join B-Film for the final screening in their Queer Film series, with Luca Guadagino's Call Me By Your Name.