Global LGBT+ inclusion the focus at annual lecture

Stars from the worlds of sport and academia will share their experiences of LGBT+ inclusion at a popular University lecture next month.

Dr. Drew Dalton, the Founder and Chair of ReportOUT, an award-winning global human rights charity for sexual and gender minorities across the globe, and Lauren Rowles MBE, a Paralympic Rowing Champion, will share their insights at the University of Reading’s renowned Wolfenden Lecture on Thursday, 8 June.

The annual event celebrates a milestone in LGBT+ history and this year it will explore the personal and professional achievements of the guest speakers. Drew and Lauren will also share their insights on what global LGBT+ inclusion looks like in different industries and sectors.

Dr Drew Dalton said: “Being offered the opportunity to speak at the Wolfenden Lecture is a huge privilege and honour. It gives an amazing opportunity to bring to light what is currently happening on a global level to sexual and gender minorities worldwide in terms of their human rights and development needs.”

Special guests

The annual Wolfenden Lecture is named after the report written by The Wolfenden Committee, which was chaired by Lord Wolfenden in 1957, the University’s Vice‑Chancellor between 1950 and 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.’

Lauren Rowles MBE is a World, European, and two time Paralympic Rowing Champion. She is also an inclusion consultant and public figure within the disability and LGBTQ+ community and is passionate about ensuring that there is greater inclusion for the next generation.

In addition to his charity work, Dr. Drew Dalton is also a Senior Lecturer in Sociology and the Programme Leader for the MSc Inequality and Society at the University of Sunderland. Drew has significant industry experience in the Third Sector, human rights, HIV and AIDS, and in education. He has been Chair of several organisations including those that have highlighted LGBTQI+ histories, working with people living with HIV, and those that support LGBTQI+ Muslims.

The pair will be joined on stage by Dr. Ruvi Ziegler, Chair of the University of Reading LGBT+ Staff Network and Dr. Allán Laville, Dean for Diversity and Inclusion.

Tickets available now

The 2023 Wolfenden Lecture will take place at the University of Reading’s Van Emden Lecture Theatre between 17.30 and 18.45, followed by a drinks reception, on Thursday, 8 June.

It is free for University staff, students and the local community to attend, but registration is necessary. Spaces are limited due to lecture theatre seating capacity. Please register to attend. Alternatively, the lecture can be viewed online.