This week we celebrate Genderfluid Awareness Week. This began on Twitter in 2021 with a post by @LGBTQcontent and is now celebrated annually between 17th and 24th October.

Genderfluidity is a gender identity that is not fixed and can shift or fluctuate. Genderfluid people may shift between masculine and feminine, be a combination of both, be completely genderless or fluctuate. Genderfluidity is generally considered to come under the Trans and Non-binary umbrella.

This week raises awareness of Genderfluidity and is an opportunity to showcase Gender-Fluid culture and amplify Gender-Fluid voices.

This Friday is National Coming Out Day.

First celebrated in 1988, this day originally marked the one-year anniversary of the 1987 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. It’s founders, Robert Eichberg and Jean O’Leary, believed that once people are aware that they have loved ones that are LGBTQIA+, they are far less likely to maintain oppressive views and this was a powerful tool in combating homophobia.

“Most people think they don’t know anyone gay or lesbian, and in fact, everybody does. It is imperative that we come out and let people know who we are and disabuse them of their fears and stereotypes”

– Robert Eichberg (1993)

Although this started off as an American awareness day, the meaning of National Coming Out Day is still highly relevant to LGBTQ+ communities across the world today.

The leaves are turning orange, the nights are drawing in and we begin the cozy Autumn season as we begin October! That means it’s Black History month and throughout October there’s also a number of varied Pride awareness days to keep an eye out for.

This month we have:

• Lesbian Day – 8th October
• National Coming Out Day – 12th October
• Pronouns Day – 16th October
• Gender Fluid Visibility Week – 17th-24th October
• Ace (Asexuality) Week – 20th-26th October
• Intersex Awareness Day – 26th October

If you’re new to SPN, please check out our Eventbrite page for our regular social gatherings by clicking here.

We have our upcoming Annual General Meeting on the 14th October via Zoom, where we update on the past year and vote in the coming year’s SPN committee.

If you’re interested in joining our committee you can find out find out more about the roles by clicking here. If you’re interested in standing for a role, please email us.

Happy October, all!