LGBT+ History Month: more than a month
Hi Guys! Shaquita here. This LGBT+ History Month, I want to celebrate, reflect, and educate myself and others on those in the community that made it possible for us to be who we are today. As a queer, black woman LGBTQ+ history month is particularly special for me, and I would like to take this time to point out my favourite queer activist and icon Marsha P. Johnson, as well as highlighting some amazing LGBTQ+ safe spaces throughout the city!
My Inspiration
Marsha was a black, gay, liberation activist and a self-identifying drag queen; she was a huge part of the Stonewall Uprising, and her efforts were tireless in protecting those in her community. Throughout Marsha’s life, she overcame hardships which included homelessness, mental health issues and police brutality. The fact that she struggled so much in her personal life but still managed to leave such a positive impact on the LGBTQ+ community is amazing. Marsha established one of the first LGBTQ+ youth shelters which provided basic needs for anyone struggling around her named S.T.A.R. “Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries” which was defined as a gay, gender non-conforming and transvestite street activist organisation.
Safe spaces inside JMSU
To honour my reflection and education around LGBT+ History Month, a number activities and events for LGBTQ+ communities and allies to get involved in. You may have spotted our craftanoon session, a Queer Comedy Night at Lush Spa, in collaboration with President Marie’s inclusive Give It a Go scheme, as well as our LGBT+ History Month movie night, next wednesday, which I am inviting you all to come to!
Check out our LGBTQ+ Community which you can join today, as well as the LGBTQ+ Society and many other gender and sexuality-inclusive societies and sports we have on offer at JMSU that are making a conscious effort to eradicate inequality and promote inclusivity in their groups. These include groups such as RIDE, Quiz, Netball, Men’s Rugby League, Walking Society, Netball, Hockey, and Women’s Rugby Union to name a few.
As queer icons are so important to this day I am hosting a competition across our JMSU socials soon. Just tell me your inspiration from LGBTQ+ history and why, and you’ll be in with a chance of winning an LGBTQ+ book, ranging from non-fiction by queer authors to queer poetry. Make sure to head over to JMSU's Instagram to get involved.
Safe Spaces outside JMSU
LGBTQ+ history is more than a month; this is something that has built our community into what it is today although people within the community still face discrimination and hate on a regular basis. Comics Youth CIC are an LGBTQ+ charity within Merseyside that provide support for queer youth. Their current projects named Safe Spaces: reclaiming community spaces’ is led by a group of queer youth who have to create an event in a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community to enjoy. I am very excited to announce that the event is called ‘Queerative’ which will include an arts fair, clothes swap, pottery session and open mic! If you do come along, you may see a familiar face (surprise it’s me!) hosting the open mic in the evening. Check out their social media for updates.
It is very important to constantly support and highlight these safe spaces throughout the city and so I will be linking some LGBTQ+ friendly business and spaces for people to visit below.
Enjoy the rest of your LGBT+ History Month and I will see you soon!
