Flag raising ceremonies have been held at both Luton and Bedford campuses in support of the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Trans community.
The event was attended by Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell, Tony Fenwick, Co Chair of the LGBT History Month as well as staff and students from the University.
LGBT History Month celebrates the achievements of LGBT members and aims to raise awareness of the gay community’s fight for equality.
This year the logo for LGBT History Month has been designed by University of Bedfordshire Third Year Graphic Design student, Monika Ciapala. The designs will be featured on posters, badges and key rings across the UK and US.
Earlier this year Beds SU hosted a LGBT Diversity Day as part of Diversity Week. The event featured a forum from Youth Chances and a talk by Teraina Eugenie Hird, a trans author and activist.
The flags will be flown at both campuses until March.
Bill Rammell, Vice Chancellor said:
“I’m delighted that we as a University are formally recognising, and promoting, LGBT History month by raising the Rainbow Flag today. A ‘History Month’ shouldn’t just be about looking back. In fact, hopefully there’ll be a bit of history being made in Parliament tomorrow with the vote on Marriage Equality.
“This is a visual symbol of the University’s commitment to celebrating diversity. I’m pleased that I as the VC, and the VC’s management group collectively, could agree to the request to fly the flag.”
Alexander Keech, LGBT Officer (Luton Campus), said:
“This is the first time ever the flag has flown here. LGBT History Month is an opportunity for all of us to learn more about the histories of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
“The flying of the flag is a fantastic symbol of the small LGBT student community here at the University.”
Rabiaa Rahman-Quereshi, Vice President of Democracy and Diversity, said:
“Beds SU have the duty to represent the diverse population of students at the university. The raising of the flag has demonstrated our continued support to the LGBT community. This is the first time the flag has been raised at our campuses and this in itself is an historic achievement.”