LGBT+ History Month 2022

We recognise that there are significant challenges facing the LGBT+ community in academia, and we want to drive that change. With talks and lectures looking at history, science, medicine and more, we want to showcase the breadth of talent amongst our family. February is a chance for us to foreground LGBT+ stories.

We ran social events in collaborations between our students, staff, and DUSA. This opportunity helped us to to build new friendships and alliances across the University, and to really listen to what you think. Together, we can make the University a better place.

We have a very active student society and a busy staff and postgraduate network. If you want to find out more, connect with us on social media and check back here as we announce our plans for 2023.

PowerPoint Party

What is the best way to quantify Alanis Morissette’s yodel? Which is the body’s best organ? Grab a snack and listen to our speakers, or sign up to give a 3-minute presentation on anything!

Social Sciences Seminar: How to Build an Inclusive University

We were delighted to welcome Dr Clara Barker [she/her], Centre for Applied Superconductivity University of Oxford , and Alex Gwynne [she/her], Diversity & Inclusion Manager at BAE Systems, who lead us in a discussion about how we can build a LGBT+ inclusive University.

Doing LGBTQ+ History in Russia Today

Is it possible to write new queer histories in Putin’s Russia? How do young historians get away with doing their research in a politically hostile environment? Are there any sources to write the story of the queer past in Russia and the Soviet Union?

Hosted by our very own Professor Perry Willson, Professor Dan Healey from the University of Oxford led us on what is sure to be a fascinating journey.

Patrick Hennessy & Harry Craig: Their Life and Art

The artists Patrick Hennessy and Henry Robertson Craig met as students in Dundee in 1934. They became inseparable, and aside from the period 1939-46 when they were separated by the War, they spent the rest of their lives together.

As part of LGBT History Month, this online talk by Seán Kissane introduced their work, the fascinating times they lived in and the people they knew. It ranged from Dundee and Dublin to Soho, Tangier and New York. We encountered figures like the Two Roberts, Francis Bacon, Elizabeth Bowen and the Beat Poets. We heard astonishingly frank accounts of queer life in the mid-20th century that touches on issues like coming out, intimacy and loneliness, right through to cruising in saunas and encounters with sex workers.

Dundee Pride, Reach Out & UoD Student Services Social

We socialised and celebrated LGBTQ+ History month in the Global Room at The University of Dundee! Meet befrienders from Dundee Pride's Reach Out service, enjoy pizza refreshments and watch Oor Pride. Learn about Pride in Scotland and how far we have come!!!

In Conversation with Emily and Kit

LGBT+ History Month is a time to celebrate what we can achieve by breaking down barriers. In the past, LGBT+ representation in the sciences has been sparse, and even now our historic contributions may not be recognised; that is changing.

Emily Fong and Kit Kuksenok are two artists who know a lot about breaking down barriers. Their work spans disciplines, as they research, play and create between art and science. This conversation event was fun, fascinating, and give an insight into how they, and we, can make our world a more creative, queer place.

Grand Rounds at Ninewells: Conversion ‘Therapy’ – Understanding Experiences in Scotland

The term conversion ‘therapy’ is riddled with deep, disturbing problems. In spite of the harm it has been shown to cause, 26% of the doctors at a recent BMA event voted against banning it.

In this event, we heard from Rebecca Crowther (she/her), Policy Coordinator for the Equality Network. She shared insights and experiences from the front line of the fight for equality.

Remembering Jonathan Leslie

Jonathan Leslie, husband, Dundee law graduate, and church goer, passed away in 2020 at home in Stonehaven. Jonathan took his own life following intense homophobic harassment leaving family and friends bereft.

What can we learn from his tragic passing? While much has improved for many LGBT+ people in Scotland in past decades, much more still needs to be done. What can we do to ensure that Scotland is a welcoming, supportive, equal place and that we all get the acceptance, respect, and love we deserve?

Jonathan's husband, Edward, shared memories of Jonathan. The University’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and to challenging homophobia was shared by Professor Wendy Alexander, Vice Principal (International) and Prof Sarah Hendry, Head of the School of Law. The event was hosted by Brian Dempsey (he/him), lecturer in law and long-time activist and researcher in LGBTQI+ history.