LGBT+ History Month 2026

February is Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Trans (LGBT+) History Month, and the theme this year is science and innovation. The aim is to highlight the contributions of LGBT+ people historically and today, and raise awareness of the people behind them, including scientists and innovators who might often be overlooked. 

Our university comes together each year to commemorate the month by hosting several events open to colleagues and students. This year we’ve also joined up with Manchester Metropolitan University. Get involved!  

What's On

• LGBTQ+ Out in STEM display: Monday 2 - Friday 27 February, Dalton Atrium and Manchester Met Union Reception
• Film Night – The Manchester Gay Rights Rally (1988): Monday 9 February, 16:30, Room 1.014, Henry Royce Institute
• LGBT+ Info Session: Tuesday 10 February, 11.00 - 12.00, online
• LGBTQIA+ History Month drop in stall: Thursday 12 February, 11:30 – 13:30 at Manchester Met Building Entrance Foyer
• Badge making stall: Wednesday 18 February, 11:00 – 15:00, The Manchester Met Union Reception
• Educating Out Prejudice through LGBT+ History Month, guest lecture with Emeritus Professor Sue Sanders: Wednesday 18 February, 17:00, Lecture Theatre A, University Place.
• Zine Making Workshop: Thursday 26 February 10:00 – 12:00, Brook Building 53, Hulme Student Resource Centre
• LGBTQ History Month Quiz: Thursday 26 February, 17:00, The Church on Canal Street
• ‘Through the Queer Lens: with Stuart ‘Linden’ Rhodes and Rachel Adams’: Thursday 26 February, 18:00 – 19:30, Whitworth Art Gallery
• Darwin in Paradise Camp Exhibition by Yuki Kihara, open now until 1 March, Whitworth Art Gallery
• ‘Queers for Years’ film screening, Monday 9 March, 17:00 – 19:00, SODA Cinema 

Our community

Jane Burrows, Business Change Lead:

"Being an LGBT+ ally matters to me not just professionally but personally. I have two daughters in the LGBT+ community, and I want them to see me showing up—visibly, vocally, and consistently. Whether that’s wearing my rainbow lanyard in interviews or introducing my pronouns, I want to signal that this is a safe space. Allyship isn’t passive; it’s something we choose to do every day, and I encourage others to take those small but meaningful steps too." 

• BeeProud, our LGBT+ colleague network: join now, and find out more about their allyship training.
• LGBT+ people of faith have historically faced challenges in being their authentic selves and practising their faith. Our Multifaith Chaplaincy Team is an inclusive service available to all colleagues and students.