Each year Schools Out, the charity that runs LGBT History Month at a national level, puts on a Showcase event to introduce the theme for the coming year. The theme for 2016 is religion, belief and philosophy. The Showcase took place at Queens’ College Cambridge last week. OutStories was represented because we are running the South-West Hub for the 2016 National Festival of LGBT History.
During the day a range of organizations including Stonewall, the NUT and GIRES were available to talk to the public about their work. Worskhops were run for local educators, and the city of Cambridge adopted an Equality Pledge.
We believe in the dignity of all people and their right to respect and equality of opportunity. We value the strength that comes with difference and the positive contribution that diversity brings to our community. Our aspiration is for Cambridge and the wider region to be safe, welcoming and inclusive.
The evening included a variety of speakers including a gay Sikh, a female philosophy lecturer and a Jewish trans man. It was hosted by lesbian musician, Claire Mooney, and the bisexual actor, Cyril Nri (The Bill, Cucumber). Music was provided by jazz singer, Mark Jennett, and the one-and-only Labi Siffre (pictured above).
Preparations for next February are well advanced and over the next couple of months we will be introducing you to the many fascinating speakers who will be visiting Bristol as part of our contribution to the National Festival.