Our job as student leaders is to fight for those in our society who need us most, leading a student culture which celebrates diversity and standing up for each other when we need it most. That’s why we are proud to mark LGBT+ History Month, both as a celebration of our LGBT+ Jewish community, and as a focus on how much further we can go to expel homophobia, transphobia and biphobia from our Jewish student society and beyond.
Our activism must not be limited to solely one month a year, but we can use this time to shine a spotlight on these issues. At UJS Conference 2017, you voted to commemorate liberation history months, and we are pleased that this has now become an integral part of the UJS calendar.
LGBT+ History Month is celebrated annually around the world at different times of the year. The overall aim of LGBT+ History Month is to promote equality and diversity for the benefit of society. This is done in different ways, including increasing the visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, their history, lives and experiences, raising awareness and advancing education around the LGBT+ community, promoting the welfare of LGBT+ people and more. Since its’ creation 14 years ago, LGBT+ history month is celebrated in different in different ways – and you can get involved too!
We have put together a resource guide for you to organise events within your J-Soc, with ideas from how to host a Priday Night Dinner to film screenings and resources. Please feel free to contact your Sabbatical Officer if you want any support from UJS; we always love supporting your events.
Furthermore, at UJS conference 2018, you voted on UJS having a bloc at London Pride. If you want to join our bloc, you can register your interest by emailing Hannah.
Last but not least, we have UJS Liberation Conference coming up! If you identify in any liberation group or as an ally, please sign up here to join us on the 17th of March for a day full of empowerment, exchange and inspiration.
For further information on Jewish LGBT+ activism and allyship, you may find the following organisations useful: