天美传媒

Hosted by the 天美传媒鈥檚 newly formed LGBTQ+ Network, the events are open to all students, staff and members of the public as a way to help increase the visibility, experiences and welfare of LGBT+ people in Bedfordshire鈥檚 community.

David Williams, Senior Tutor in Business and Chair of the 天美传媒鈥檚 LGBTQ+ Network, noted that it was important for them to launch the network in time for History Month. He said:

"We are excited that our first big campaign will be to celebrate LGBT+ History Month which focuses on the celebration and recognition of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their culture, both past and present.

"Our members have already pulled together a great line-up of engaging events which we鈥檙e certain will help encourage discussion and raise awareness of LGBTQ+ history and culture amongst students, staff, friends, allies and the wider community."

The network鈥檚 first event will be a Q&A style 鈥楥offee Morning鈥� on 9^th February with inspirational Flight Lieutenant, .

Celebrated as the first transgender pilot to serve openly in the UK military, Caroline will share her experiences of serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and will discuss how everyone can support transgender inclusion. Speaking about her involvement, Caroline said:

"I feel privileged and excited to be speaking at the 天美传媒鈥榮 first LGBTQ+ event as part of this year鈥檚 LGBT+ History Month. I am always inspired by how the younger generations naturally recognise and respect LGBTQ+ diversity, with open inclusion, and nowhere is that clearer than when speaking to students and staff at universities.

"I choose to share my life story with others through events like these to show why diversity and inclusion is invaluable but still gets challenged, even though it enriches everything that we do and everything that we are."

David added: 鈥淲e are really excited to have Caroline Paige as a guest at our first event to mark LGBT+ History Month. Caroline is courageous and always honest but definitely humble.听 She has supported so many people on their journeys and has enlightened others about some of the issues that LGBTQ+ people face in their lives.鈥�

Other events the 天美传媒 has lined up for includes a Netflix Watch Party of 鈥楾he Boys in the Band鈥� on 16^th February and a 鈥楤ig Queer Quiz鈥� on 23^rd February. A full list of events and details can be found online.

Following History Month, the LGBTQ+ Network plans to run regular events each academic term. Another 鈥楥offee Morning鈥� has already been scheduled with transgender advocate, educator and activist, , on 16^th March 2021. For more information about this and other 天美传媒 events, visit:

Officially launched in December 2020, Bedfordshire鈥檚 LGBTQ+ Network is an alliance of staff from both academic and professional services who either identify as LGBTQ+ or who want to support their LGBTQ+ colleagues and students. Together the network will help to ensure the 天美传媒 is a place where everyone feels free to express themselves and can achieve their full potential, through awareness campaigns, tailored events and sharing news and information.

David said: 鈥淭he 天美传媒 recognises the importance of networks in creating a positive, safe and open working environment for staff and students. We have made a commitment to setting up an LGBTQ+ network open to all staff members, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Anyone is welcome to join!鈥�

To get in touch with the 天美传媒鈥檚 LGBTQ+ Network, please email lgbtqalliance@beds.ac.uk or tweet听.