LGBT+ History Month

Illustration of a megaphone with the colours of the Progress Pride flag emanating from it

We're proud to celebrate LGBT+ History Month and this year's theme: Activism and Social Change.

Thriving in education - and beyond

2025 marks the 50th year of Schools OUT, the education charity that founded LGBT+ History Month in the UK.

Schools OUT's belief was – and remains – that every LGBT+ person should feel safe, seen and thrive in education and beyond.

We share this belief, and at ARU our LGBTQ+ Research Group works on issues that matter to LGBTQ+ people. This includes:

  • visibility of LGBTQ+ research and LGBTQ+ scholars within and beyond ARU
  • advocacy for the inclusion of LGBTQ+ issues in curricula and training across the University
  • introducing the UK’s first higher education LGBTQ+ leadership development programme.

Here, you can read more about the Group's work, and what we're doing to support LGBTQ+ students and staff at ARU. You can also browse a range of free events taking place this month: all welcome.

An array of rainbow and trans (blue, pink and white) flags held in the hands of blurry people

LGBTQ+ Research Group

At ARU, a network of staff and students is pursuing research with LBGTQ+ communities on issues that matter to them.

Discover the Group's work
Teacher in a classroom

Transforming the career prospects of LGBTQ+ teachers

Research on challenges to career advancement has helped increase the number of LGBT teachers in school leadership roles in the UK.

Read more about the project
Close-up of an arm and hand writing on a document in an office setting. The person is wearing a rainbow wristband and there's a rainbow flag behind their computer monitor

Supporting our LGBTQ+ community

At ARU we're committed to being a safe and inclusive community. Read about some of the things we're doing to support our LGBTQ+ students and staff.

Find out about support at ARU

LGBT+ History Month events

This month we're hosting a range of free events: everyone welcome. On 27 February, join us to explore civic responsibility and engagement with the LGBTQ+ community.

News and views

Actor Rosy McEwan in character as a PE teacher

Professor’s teaching experiences inspire film

News: 'Blue Jean' focuses on teaching under Section 28
Two lead characters from the Netflix production of Heartstopper

Heartstopper shows us what schools can be

Viewpoint: How the Netflix series contrasts with my school experience
A teacher (blurry due to distance/camera focus) teaching secondary school pupils in a classroom

Safe and inclusive schools for trans students

Viewpoint: Are young people's voices missing from Government consultation?