A dedicated month that highlights the incredible achievements of our LGBT+ community. LGBT+ History Month takes place every February across the UK and is recognised with events across the world.
During the month, staff, students, and the local community celebrate the rich and diverse history, herstory, and their story.
Championing LGBTQIA+ people in all their diversity, the University of Reading proudly celebrates this month with a full programme of events, including lectures, theatre performances, social events, wellbeing sessions, and conversation cafés.
History Month theme
Every year, UK LGBT+ History Month adopts a unique theme. The 2026 theme is Science and Innovation, as officially announced by the lead organisers, UK LGBT+ History Month - founded by Schools OUT.
This year’s theme honours the vital contributions LGBT+ individuals have made, and continue to make in technology, healthcare, and scientific discovery, while recognising how inclusive innovation drives solutions to global challenges such as climate change and clean energy.
The Wolfenden Lecture
Our annual Wolfenden Lecture is named after the landmark 1957 Wolfenden Report, chaired by Lord Wolfenden, the University of Reading Vice-Chancellor from 1950 to 1964.
The report became a key milestone in LGBT+ history in the UK when it was recommended that "… homosexual behaviour between consenting adults in private should no longer be a criminal offence."
This year’s lecture continues to honour our legacy of progress, inquiry and social reform by inviting keynote speaker and graduate Martin Kaufman - a key figure in Reading’s LGBT+ liberation movement and pivotal student activist in the 1970s.
The LGBTQIA+ Staff Network
Launched in 2014, the LGBTQIA+ Staff Network represents and supports staff and postgraduate researchers who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, or other gender/sexual identities across both the UK and Malaysia campuses.
The network curates initiatives that raise awareness, protect rights, and foster community. It is currently led by Dr Ruvi Ziegler and continues to play an essential role in advocating for equality and inclusion.
For more information, please visit our Diversity website.
Events for 2026
Find out about some of the events taking place across the University for this year's LGBT+ History Month.
LGBTQIA+ Staff Network
Find out more about the LGBTQIA+ Staff Network and their work to ensure all University staff members and PGR students feel safe and supported.