Wolfenden Lecture: Reading Coming Out with Martin Kaufman
Date 26 February 2026
Time 19:00 - 20:30
Location Van Emden Lecture Theatre, Edith Morley Building, University or Reading, Whiteknights
Event Information
Join us for the University of Reading’s annual flagship LGBT+ event, The Wolfenden Lecture.
Celebrating our LGBT+ community, activism, and history.
This year’s lecture invites keynote speaker and University of Reading alumni, Martin Kaufman – a key figure in Reading’s LGBT+ liberation movement and pivotal student activist in the 1970s.
In his talk, Reading Coming Out, Martin will reflect on how he and fellow students helped ignite a movement for gay and lesbian rights, organised the first public LGBT+ meetings on campus, and contributed to shaping Reading’s rich LGBT+ history.
The London Gay Men’s Chorus will also take part in the event, celebrating the contributions of Martin, who has been a dedicated member for 27 years. Additionally, there will be a special exhibition honouring the courage, resilience, and activism that have transformed LGBT+ life in Reading.
Earlier in the day, Martin will lead a guided walking tour of Reading (14:00–16:00). The tour will explore significant locations from the early days of local LGBT+ organising.
If you would like to hear more about the pre-lecture walking tour, choose Yes on the registration form.
If you are interested in hearing more about Martin's Story, our Alumni team interviewed Martin for the digital University of Reading Alumni magazine, CONNECTED: Breaking The Mould.