Today (17 May), we are celebrating the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB).
To mark the day, colleagues from Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, the SUSU LGBT+ Society and the Pulse LGBT+ Network joined with Professor Mark Spearing, President and Vice-Chancellor (Interim), to raise the rainbow flag outside Hartley Library on Highfield campus this morning at 08:30.
Professor Mark Spearing, President and Vice-Chancellor (Interim) said:
“I am very pleased to support the raising of the Pride rainbow flag today to recognise the University’s support for the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB). This represents a key milestone, not only for the LGBT+ community here at Southampton, but also for us as an inclusive HE institution, embracing and celebrating the rich diversity of our wider University community. Whilst the sun may not be shining on campus this morning, the vibrancy of the LGBT+ flag provides all the light we need.”
A special thanks to Matt Reynolds from the Technical Innovation & Developments Team in iSolutions for photographing the raising of the flag.
Our school of Electronics and Computer Science will also be raising awareness of the day with celebrations between 10:00 and 15:00 on Level 1 in Building 32 and the Foyer of Building 53 on Highfield Campus. Please do join them if you can!
IDAHOTB was initiated in 2004 to draw the attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex people and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions. The date of 17 May was specifically chosen to commemorate the World Health Organization’s decision in 1990, to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.
IDAHOTB has continued as an annual campaign with a different theme emerging each year. The theme for 2019 is ‘Justice and Protection For All’.
The UK has come a long way towards achieving the aims of the movement – to create a safe and inclusive environment for all – but there is still more that can be done.
Here at our University, the Pulse LGBT+ Staff Network and the SUSU LGBT+ Society aim to promote a work environment in which LGBT+ students and employees feel supported and valued, enabling them to fulfil their potential and to contribute fully to the benefit of our University. Get involved and learn more about the UoS Pulse LGBT+ Network by following them on Facebook and Twitter, and learn more about the SUSU LGBT+ Society by following them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
