Students at Durham University are set to stage their first-ever LGBT Awareness Week the highlight of which will be a carnival on Friday (February 25) at lunchtime.  The “week” kicks off on Wednesday and events range from a screeningof The Laramie Project to a discussion on homophobia in education.

The event is part of the national LGBT History Month throughout the United Kingdom.  Durham University is sub-titling its event I Have a History.

“LGBT history is about recognising the real contribution that LGBT people have made to our world, the ways in which we have been brutalised and oppressed, and the ways in which we have resisted and flourished,” commented Jo Lumney, vice-president (representation) of the university LGBT Association.

The idea to stage a week of events came following the successful highlighting of the plight of same-sex couples which included the staging of mock wedding.

Saturday’s carnival will not only celebrate diversity but also will send the message:  “Say no to hate”.  Planned attractions include cheerleaders, magic, face-painting, balloons, banners and much more. This will take place from 1-2pm on Friday (Feb. 25) outside Durham Students Union, New Elvet.

In addition to the carnival, there will be other events going on throughout the week, including film showings, debates, welfare talks, social events, and a talk from well-known writer and journalist Fiona Cooper.

The aim is to get as many Durham students as possible involved and aware of LGBT history, whatever their sexuality.

“I'm delighted that Durham University is celebrating LGBT awareness week – it is an excellent way to raise awareness of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues both on and off campus, and the week is also great fun,” said Tom Page, the president of Durham University Student Union.

Click here for full details of Awareness Week activities.  And click here for the main page for the Durham University LGBT Association’s comprehensive website, and one of the best LGBT university site in Britain we at UK Gay News have come across.

19  February  2005