🏳️‍🌈 Pride Month Events 2025 🏳️‍🌈

June is here and it’s time to celebrate! We’ve been hearing about lots of fantastic Pride events and activities happening throughout the month in and around Edinburgh. Whether you’re into sports, community engagement, or cultural events, there’s something for everyone. Here’s what we know about so far – please let us know if we’ve missed anything you’d like us to share with the network!

Past Events (click to expand)

Late May Events

“Bend It Like Deckham!” PQFC + Jokes FC Fundraiser

📅 Friday, May 30th | ⏰ 8pm-1am

📍 Leith Arches

Join Porty Queer Football Community and Jokes FC for “Bend It Like Deckham!” – an evening of DJs and drag entertainment!

DJs: Tamboi, Ceits Bush, Greengiant
Drag: Cliff Lickhard, Élixir
Special raffle: 2x Chappell Roan tickets up for grabs!
Cost: Pay what you can (£12 suggested) – 100% of donations go to accessible football for PQFC and Jokes FC

Romance Fiction Event

📅 Friday, May 30th | ⏰ Evening

📍 Lighthouse Books

A celebration of contemporary romance fiction – “fiercely feminist, and jubilantly queer!” featuring Eleanor Pilcher in conversation with host Arusa Qureshi, followed by drinks reception.

More info: Lighthouse Bookshop Events

Early June Events (Passed)

Trans+ Swimming Session

📅 Wednesday, June 4th | ⏰ 7:00pm-9:00pm

📍 St Leonard’s Pool (Holyrood Rd, Edinburgh EH8 8AQ)

Monthly Trans+ swimming sessions with exclusive access to pool and changing facilities. Part of the University’s commitment to inclusion and wellbeing, designed to remove barriers that trans people may experience in accessing public swimming spaces.

Who can attend: Trans+ students, staff, and members of the wider Edinburgh community. Allies may attend only as a guest (+1) of a trans person.

Key features:

  • Exclusive pool and changing room access (all genders welcome to use facilities they’re most comfortable with, plus gender neutral options)
  • 1-hour swimming session with 30 minutes changing time on each end
  • Pool divided into lane swimming and free swim areas
  • Staff trained in trans inclusion
  • All swimwear styles welcome, including option to go topless regardless of gender

Tickets: £3 per person (free tickets available if cost is a barrier) – all funds donated to LEAP Sports Scotland. Tickets released 3 weeks before each session.

Future sessions: Monthly through September (July 9th, August 13th, September 3rd)

Booking and more info: Edinburgh University Students’ Association
Questions: transnonbinary@eusa.ed.ac.uk

Queer Data Showcase

📅 Thursday, June 5th | ⏰ 5:00pm-7:00pm

📍 Cabaret Bar, Pleasance

A first-of-its-kind showcase spotlighting a curated selection of artists, academics, and activists working with queer data. Co-organised by Pride in STEM and the Edinburgh Futures Institute’s AI Ethics & Society. The event concludes with time for presenters and audience members to meet each other and learn more about the variety of queer data projects taking place.

Tickets: Free – Available here

“Jeanne” Book Launch

📅 Wednesday, June 5th | ⏰ 7-8pm

📍 Lighthouse Books

Launch of Arielle Burgdorf’s “Jeanne” – a queer, experimental novel exploring the intersections of language, gender, sexuality, and art. Described as “a clever, sexy, moving & playful novel about literary translation, control, language, & selfhood.”

More info: Lighthouse Bookshop Events

Queer Climbing Night

📅 Friday, June 6th

Part of Porty Pride events – a fantastic opportunity to try climbing in a welcoming, inclusive environment.

More details: Porty Pride Events Programme

Staff Pride Network Evening Social

📅 Friday, June 6th | ⏰ 5:30pm-10:00pm

📍 The Auld Hoose, 23-25 Saint Leonard’s Street, Edinburgh EH8 9QN

SPN’s flagship monthly evening social – a casual Friday wind-down for LGBT+ colleagues and allies. This free drop-in event welcomes all LGBT+ and ally staff and postgrad students from the University of Edinburgh and Napier University. The relaxed atmosphere accommodates people of all ages, disabilities, and social comfort levels.

Who can attend: LGBT+ and ally staff and postgrad students
Cost: Free
Format: Drop-in, no registration required
New to SPN? Contact staffpridenetwork@ed.ac.uk to arrange meeting an SPN member beforehand

Registration: Eventbrite (Free)

Porty Queer Football Community: Gie it a Go!

📅 Saturday, June 7th

Come and try football with Porty Queer Football Community – perfect for beginners and experienced players alike!

More details: Porty Pride Events Programme

Porty Pride Ball

📅 Saturday, June 7th | ⏰ 7pm-12pm (doors 7pm for 7:30pm start)

📍 Portobello Town Hall

Theme: QUEER FREEDOM – Come dressed to show freedom to express, freedom to love and freedom to THRIVE! Features DJ Arusa Qureshi, DJ Ria Andrews, hosted by Butch Cassidy. 18+ event with accessible venue.

Tickets: £5-£25 available on OutSavvy

Queer(ing) Data in Healthcare Research & Practice Workshop

📅 Wednesday, June 11th | ⏰ 10:00am-4:00pm

📍 Usher Enlighten One, Ground Floor, Usher Building, BioQuarter

1-day workshop engaging master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral researchers in methodological training for queering data in science, technology, innovation, and healthcare research and practice. Attendees will work collaboratively to learn, employ and create ‘queer’ data practices, including applying issues of normativity to data science, supported through regular sharing and collective problem solving.

Who can attend: Master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral researchers
Cost: Free
Organizers: Dr Chase Ledin (Usher) and Dr Kevin Guyan (Business)
Contact: chase.ledin@ed.ac.uk

Staff Pride Network Central Coffee & Cake

📅 Wednesday, June 11th | ⏰ 1:00pm-2:00pm

📍 Canopy Cafe, Edinburgh Futures Institute, 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh EH3 9EF

Bi-monthly lunchtime coffee meetup at the central campus. Drop in for a coffee and free cake, meet your LGBT+ colleagues and ask a committee member those questions you’ve been dying to have answered! The venue is accessible and located on the Middle Meadows Walk side of the building.

Who can attend: LGBT+ and ally staff (or PhD students) of the University of Edinburgh
Cost: Free (cake provided)
Format: Drop-in, no registration required
Features: Rainbow lanyards and table signage for easy identification
Accessibility: Accessible venue with accessible toilets

Contact: staffpridenetwork@ed.ac.uk
Registration: Eventbrite (Free)

“No Differences: Debating Demographic Expertise in U.S. Marriage Equality Cases”

📅 Wednesday, June 11th | ⏰ 4:00pm

📍 Edinburgh Futures Institute, University of Edinburgh

The demography of sexuality has become a battleground in debates over LGBTQ civil rights. Experts and activists on all sides turn to demographic knowledge to make claims about LGBTQ people and the worthiness of their political claims, and data collection itself has become a site of intense political contestation. This talk draws on evidence from three pivotal same-sex marriage cases at the United States Supreme Court on the path to federal marriage equality to analyze the specific ways that population counting and other types of demographic evidence are mobilized in the legal arena.

Speaker: Dr Jamie Budnick (Assistant Professor, Sociology, Cornell University)
Hosted by: The Gender + Sexuality Data Lab and GENDER.ED
Format: Public talk, all welcome

Registration: Free tickets available

“Life Cycle of a Moth” Book Launch

📅 Wednesday, June 11th | ⏰ 7-8pm

📍 Lighthouse Books

Launch of Rowe Irwin’s debut novel – an urgent, thrillingly alive novel about Maya and Daughter, who live in complete isolation in a secluded woodland. Explores both the tenderness and ferocity of maternal love.

More info: Lighthouse Bookshop Events

Trans Social Space at Augustine United Church

📅 Thursday, June 12th | ⏰ 6:00pm-8:30pm

📍 Augustine United Church, 41-43 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL

Social event for the trans community and allies. Come along for chat, refreshments and an opportunity to make signs for Edinburgh Pride. If you have clothes to swap, bring them along too!

Who can attend: Trans community and allies
Activities: Chat, refreshments, Pride sign making, clothes swap
Supported by: Augustine United Church and Resisting Transphobia in Edinburgh

Contact: Maxwell Reay – ourtribe@augustine.org.uk
Website: augustine.org.uk

Dundee Pride

📅 Saturday, June 14th

Dundee Pride

Stranraer Pride

📅 Saturday, June 14th

LGBT Plus

Trans+ Workout Session

📅 Sunday, June 15th | ⏰ 5:00pm-7:00pm

📍 Salle, Pleasance Gym, Pleasance

Trans+ workout sessions organized by Edinburgh University Students’ Association and Edinburgh University Sports Union. Exclusive access to gym facilities in a supportive environment.

Cost: £3 per session – all proceeds donated to LEAP Sports Scotland
Schedule: Every other Sunday (June 15th & 29th; July 13th & 27th; August 10th & 24th; September 7th)

LGBTQI+ Drop In Lunch Sessions – Easter Bush

📅 Monday, June 16th | ⏰ 1:00pm-2:00pm

📍 Vet School Teaching Building, Room G03-A, Easter Bush Campus

Regular monthly drop-in lunch session for the LGBTQI+ and allies community at Easter Bush, open to all students and staff! To celebrate Pride Month and get ready for Edinburgh Pride on June 21st, organizers will bring arts & crafts materials for people who’d like to make signs for the Pride march. Feel free to bring your own craft materials as well!

Who can attend: All LGBTQI+ and ally students and staff at Easter Bush
Format: Drop-in throughout the session, bring your lunch
Provided: Snacks and arts & crafts materials for Pride signs
Schedule: Third Monday of each month from 1-2pm

Future sessions: Monday July 21st (G01) and Monday August 18th (G01)
Contact: Ben (organizer via Easter Bush campus)

🌟 WorkPride 2025 – Global Virtual Conference 🌟

📅 Monday-Friday, June 16th-20th | ⏰ Various times (Virtual)

📍 Online – Global Virtual Conference

Theme: “Your Allyship Journey Starts Here”

The sixth annual WorkPride is the world’s largest virtual global conference dedicated to workplace LGBTQ+ inclusion! This 5-day event features 200+ global speakers and 40+ sessions designed for LGBTQ+ professionals, allies, HR leaders, DEI advocates, and anyone committed to workplace equality.

🎯 Key Conference Topics:

  • Bisexual Inclusion: Navigating Identity at Work
  • Mentoring for Success: Developing Future Leaders
  • Becoming an Active Trans Ally (Interactive Workshop)
  • Using Data to Measure and Improve DEI Outcomes
  • Visible Allyship in Leadership
  • Creating Inclusive Company Culture

Who can attend: LGBTQ+ professionals, allies, inclusive employers, students, graduates
Cost: 💰 Completely FREE
Languages: English and Spanish
Special Certificate: Attend 5+ sessions to earn an LGBTQ+ Inclusion Certificate
Hosted by: myGwork (world’s largest LGBTQ+ business platform)

Major Sponsors: Booking.com (headline), Taylor Wessing, RS Group, Canada Life, Organon, Valencia Gay Games

Registration: Free registration at myGwork.com
More info: WorkPride 2025 Events

💡 Perfect for University staff interested in workplace inclusion, DEI strategies, and building allyship skills!

LEAP Sports Scotland Festival Fortnight

📅 June 17th-30th

An exciting mix of sporting, recreational, and cultural events designed to increase LGBTIQ+ visibility and participation in Scottish sport. Everyone is welcome to participate, whether trying new sports, supporting teams, or celebrating at festival parties.

Full listings: LEAP Sports Festival Fortnight

BioQuarter Pride Month Bake Sale

📅 Tuesday, June 17th | ⏰ Starting 1pm

📍 IRR South reception area, BioQuarter campus

Bake sale organized by the BioQuarter Pride Committee, open to anyone from across the University. All donations go to LGBT Health & Wellbeing, an Edinburgh-based charity supporting LGBTQ+ adults in Scotland.

Want to contribute bakes? Contact: BioQuarter.Pride@ed.ac.uk

“Second Skin” Book Launch

📅 Monday, June 17th | ⏰ 7-8pm

📍 Lighthouse Books

Launch of Anastasiia Fedorova’s “Second Skin” – bringing subversive desire out of the dungeon and into the light. An illuminating tour of the world of fetishes that casts light on our culture at large, revealing how what we deem ‘taboo’ is never static.

More info: Lighthouse Bookshop Events

Staff Pride Network Kings Buildings Coffee & Cake

📅 Wednesday, June 18th | ⏰ 1:00pm-2:00pm

📍 Magnet Café, JCMB Building, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF

Monthly coffee meetup at Kings Buildings campus with the same welcoming format of free cake and community connection. Located in the James Clerk Maxwell Building, this accessible venue features SPN committee members available for questions and informal conversation.

Who can attend: LGBT+ and ally staff and students
Cost: Free (cake provided)
Format: Drop-in, no registration required
Features: Rainbow lanyards and table signage for easy identification

Registration: Eventbrite (Free)

NHS Lothian Pride Stalls Event

📅 Wednesday, June 18th | ⏰ 1:30pm-3:30pm

📍 Little France, BioQuarter

Local organizations will have stalls at this community pride event. The University of Edinburgh has been invited to participate, and we expect good attendance from university staff and students.

Setup available from 1pm

“This Princess Kills Monsters” Book Launch

📅 Thursday, June 19th | ⏰ 7-8pm

📍 Lighthouse Books Garden

Celebrate Ry Herman’s new novel about a princess with a mostly useless magical talent who takes on horrible monsters, masked heroes, and a talking lion. Expect themed surprises, refreshments – costumes and extra fabulousness most welcome!

More info: Lighthouse Bookshop Events

Edinburgh Pride Run 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

📅 Friday, June 20th | ⏰ 7pm start (arrive 6-6:45pm)

📍 Holyrood Park

After a hiatus, Edinburgh Frontrunners are back! Walk, run, or wheel your way around the iconic Arthur’s Seat to kick off Pride weekend in style. This 5km route is open to anyone over 18 – no need to be an EFR member to participate.

Registration: Edinburgh Frontrunners Pride Run
Contact: Dom.Cairns-Gibson@ed.ac.uk for questions or to meet committee members beforehand

Pride Edinburgh 🏳️‍🌈

📅 Saturday, June 21st

📍 Edinburgh

🚩 THE MARCH DETAILS:

📍 Meet: Scottish Parliament at 12:30pm
🚶 March starts: 1:00pm
🛤️ Route: Scottish Parliament → Canongate → High Street → George IV Bridge → Bristo Place → Lothian Street → Potterrow → Crichton Street → Charles Street
🎉 Finish: Pride Edinburgh Festival Village at EUSA Complex

🌈 STAFF PRIDE NETWORK MEETUPS:

🕚 PRE-MARCH MEETUP:
Time: 11:00am-noon (drop in anytime)
Location: Levels Cafe
Plan: Meet as SPN group – we leave at noon to head down to the march together

🎊 POST-MARCH MEETUP:
Location: Columns outside University Visitors Centre
Plan: Group meetup after the march – option to head up to the chill out space on the roof

BioQuarter Pride Committee Meetup: If you’d like to march with BioQuarter Pride Committee colleagues, join their mailing list or contact BioQuarter.Pride@ed.ac.uk for meetup details.
BioQuarter mailing list: https://mlist.is.ed.ac.uk/lists/info/bq.pride

More info: Pride Edinburgh

Upcoming June 2025 Events

“Music and words from the trans imaginary: an evening with CN Lester”

📅 Wednesday, June 25th | ⏰ 7:00pm-9:00pm

📍 Reid Lecture Theatre on Bristo Square

QUEER.ED Event: An evening with CN Lester, a multi-genre musician (classical singer, improviser, composer, alternative piano-based singer-songwriter) and author of the critically acclaimed “Trans Like Me.” CN is also the founder and artistic director of the groundbreaking arts event “Transpose” at the Barbican.

Programme: CN will perform selections of their soulful, melodic, piano-based music on the Reid Concert Hall’s Steinway piano, plus deliver a reading of their recent reflections on the current state of life for trans people in the U.K.

About the programme: Rejects dehumanising narratives about trans people disseminated by media and anti-trans movement. Instead, CN’s art offers a glimpse into the trans imaginary—a space where trans people create their own stories, shape their own narratives, and define their own lives, inspired by energy, solidarity, hope, and love.

Tickets: https://CNLester.eventbrite.com
Sponsored by: QUEER.ED, UCU Edinburgh, Staff Pride Network, Lighthouse Bookshop, Edinburgh College of Art, School of Philosophy Psychology & Language Sciences, School of Social & Political Science, School of History Classics & Archaeology

Trans and Non-Binary Meet-up

📅 Thursday, June 26th | ⏰ 5:30pm-7:30pm

📍 Paradise Palms (next to central campus)

Monthly social meet-up for trans and non-binary staff and PGRs! A safe space to meet, chat, relax, and discuss issues relating to our community (or anything and everything!). Held on the 4th (usually last) Thursday of every month.

Where to find us: Cosy alcove in the back on the left in the very queer trans-friendly bar Paradise Palms. Look out for a shark (cuddly trans icon of internet fame) and progress flag lanyard!
Who can attend: Trans and non-binary staff and PGRs
Schedule: 4th Thursday of every month, 5:30-7:30pm

RSVP required: Eventbrite registration
Contact: Merlyn (Co Trans & Non-binary Rep)

KB Coffee and Cake (King’s Buildings)

📅 Thursday, June 26th | ⏰ 12:00pm

📍 Room 2.06 (Rowan), The Nucleus, King’s Buildings

SCHEDULE CHANGE: June’s Coffee and Cake has been moved from the usual third Wednesday to Thursday, June 26th! Come along for some cake/biscuits and a chat with other SPN members at King’s Buildings campus.

Who can attend: LGBTQ+ members of staff and PhD students, and allies on King’s Buildings campus
Provided: Cake/biscuits (gluten free and vegan options available)
Feel free to: Bring your lunch! (Microwaves and café/student shop available in The Nucleus)
Usually held: Third Wednesday of every month

Future KB Coffee and Cake dates:
• July 16th, 1-2pm (location TBC, hosted by David Radford)
• August 20th, 1-2pm in Room 2.06 (Rowan), The Nucleus

Host: Megan Hammell, APRIL AI Hub Engagement Officer
Purpose: Connect LGBTQ+ staff, PhD students and allies on King’s Buildings campus

Pride Sports Day 🏃‍♀️⚽🧗‍♀️

📅 Sunday, June 22nd

📍 Pleasance Games Hall

💰 Completely FREE

Organized by Madeleine Bell (EUSU Wellbeing & Inclusion Officer), this inclusive sports day is open to everyone – staff, students, friends, and allies welcome!

Activities include:

  • Self defence
  • Climbing
  • Boccia
  • Football
  • Pickleball

Important: Climbing signup deadline is June 6th, but please register even if climbing is full so organizers can plan for numbers.

Registration: Sign up here
Contact: eusu.wellbeing@ed.ac.uk

Edinburgh Curveballs Pride In Tennis

📅 Sunday, June 22nd

Edinburgh Curveballs’ Pride In Tennis event, celebrating LGBTQ+ inclusivity in racquet sports.

More info: Edinburgh Curveballs

Staff Pride Network BioQuarter Coffee & Cake Social

📅 Tuesday, June 24th | ⏰ 12:30pm-1:30pm

📍 Café 1898, Ground Floor Usher Building, 3 Little France Road, BioQuarter Gate, Edinburgh EH16 4UX

The final SPN event of June takes place at the BioQuarter campus, featuring the standard coffee and cake format with free cake provided. This monthly drop-in social is hosted by the BioQuarter Pride Committee and welcomes all LGBT+/ally staff and students at the BioQuarter. Part of the University’s Staff Pride Network monthly events held on different campuses.

Who can attend: LGBT+ and ally staff and students at BioQuarter
Cost: Free (coffee and cake provided)
Format: Drop-in, no registration required
Special feature: Optional wellbeing walk afterward (weather permitting)
Accessibility: All access and dietary needs accommodated when contacted in advance

Contact: BioQuarter.Pride@ed.ac.uk
Registration: Eventbrite (Free)

Music and words from the trans imaginary: an evening with CN Lester

📅 Wednesday, June 25th | ⏰ 7:00pm-9:00pm

📍 Reid Lecture Theatre on Bristo Square

CN Lester is a multi-genre musician: a classical singer, improviser/deviser, composer, and alternative piano-based singer-songwriter. They are also the author of the critically acclaimed Trans Like Me, and the founder and artistic director of the groundbreaking arts event Transpose at the Barbican.

For this evening, CN will perform selections of their soulful, melodic, piano-based music, brought to life by the sumptuous sound of the Reid Concert Hall’s Steinway piano. CN will also deliver a reading of their recent reflections on the current state of life for trans people in the U.K.

Part of a programme of trans-centred events that rejects dehumanising narratives about trans people and instead offers a glimpse into the trans imaginary—a space where trans people create their own stories, shape their own narratives, and define their own lives, inspired by energy, solidarity, hope, and love.

Sponsored by: University of Edinburgh’s QUEER.ED, UCU Edinburgh, Staff Pride Network, Lighthouse Bookshop, Edinburgh College of Art, and the School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences

Tickets: Available on Eventbrite

“The Dry Season” Book Event

📅 Thursday, June 26th | ⏰ 7-8pm

📍 Lighthouse Books

Melissa Febos in conversation with Dina Nayeri discussing “The Dry Season” – a memoir of the author’s year of celibacy and a profound exploration of independence, sexuality and deep self-knowledge.

More info: Lighthouse Bookshop Events

Dunedin Fencing Club – Pride Community Beginners Course

📅 Starting Thursday, June 26th | ⏰ Thursday evenings (6 weeks)

📍 Leith Community Centre

A six week beginners course specifically for members of the Pride community! Learn the fun and excitement of fencing with an inclusive and open approach to the sport. The course will give you an introduction to the sport, its different weapons and techniques, and the joy of meeting new people so you can (sportingly) stab them.

Who can attend: Pride community members 16 years and older
Cost: £40 (equipment hire included)
Special features: Courses run by coaches who are members of the pride community. Venue has both single gender and gender neutral changing facilities.

Registration & more info: Dunedin Fencing Club
Contact: hello@dunedinfencingclub.co.uk
Instagram: @dunedinfencing

Another beginners course is scheduled for October (tickets not yet available)

Edinburgh Curveballs Squash Tournament

📅 Saturday, June 28th

Organizer: Edinburgh Curveballs

More info: Edinburgh Curveballs

Trans+ Workout Session

📅 Sunday, June 29th | ⏰ 5:00pm-7:00pm

📍 Salle, Pleasance Gym, Pleasance

Second June session of the bi-weekly Trans+ workout sessions. Exclusive access to gym facilities in a supportive environment.

Cost: £3 per session – all proceeds donated to LEAP Sports Scotland

Edinburgh Curveballs Padel Tournament

📅 Sunday, June 29th

Organizer: Edinburgh Curveballs

More info: Edinburgh Curveballs

Free taster sessions: Edinburgh Curveballs offers free taster sessions throughout Pride Month for tennis, squash, and padel – perfect for trying out racquet sports in an inclusive environment!


Other Pride Events in the Region

For those interested in supporting Pride celebrations in nearby areas:

Fife Pride

📅 Saturday, July 5th

Fife Pride

West Lothian Pride

📅 Saturday, July 26th

West Lothian Pride

Stirling Pride

📅 Saturday, September 20th


Related LGBTQ+ Events Beyond June

“Rainbow Trap” Book Launch with Kevin Guyan

📅 Thursday, July 3rd | ⏰ 7:00pm

📍 Lighthouse Bookstore (and online)

Rainbow Trap reveals how the fight for LGBTQ equalities in the UK is shaped – and constrained – by the classifications we encounter every day. Edinburgh launch for local author and researcher Dr Kevin Guyan, hosted by Gemma Milne!

Looking across six systems – the police and the recording of hate crimes; dating apps and digital desire; outness in the film and television industry; borders and LGBTQ asylum seekers; health and fitness activities; and DEI initiatives in the workplace – Rainbow Trap documents how inclusive interventions have attempted to bring historically marginalized communities out of the shadows.

Author: Dr Kevin Guyan (Chancellor’s Fellow, University of Edinburgh Business School & Director, Gender + Sexuality Data Lab)
Host: Gemma Milne
Book release: June 12th, 2025

Tickets: Lighthouse Bookshop Events


Other Opportunities We’ve Heard About

LGBTQ+ Youth in Sport Research

PhD student Gabriel Bell from the University of Hull is researching the impact of publicly out LGBTQ+ Olympians on LGBTQ+ youth. They’re looking for LGBTQ+ people aged 16-25 in the UK to complete an online survey.

Participate: LGBTQ+ Sport Research Survey
Contact: G.COUTO-RIBAS-2022@hull.ac.uk

“We Have Always Been Here. And We Always Will Be” Project

Some of our network members are working to bring this impactful project to Engineering spaces around the university. This exhibition has been making rounds at other schools and there’s interest in providing more visibility within our community.


Know of Other Events?

This list represents what we’ve heard about so far, but we know there’s always more happening! If you know of other Pride events or activities taking place this month that our members might be interested in, please let us know and we’ll share them with the network.


Let’s make this Pride Month one to remember! 🌈




Join/subscribe/unsubscribe the SPN mailing List (mlist – staffpridenetworkmembers)

Since the Universities mlist system isn’t the easiest to navigate it requires a page:

To access the list page for SPN members please click below but note the likely error and how to get around before clicking:

https://mlist.is.ed.ac.uk/lists/info/staffpridenetworkmembers

You will need to first log in via ease which should be straightforward the issue comes if you get this mysterious error shown above.

University login button

The error is that mlist site isn’t logged in as it needs you to click the University Login button on the top right. This should then finally let you through to the staffpridenetworkmembers list page and click the option to subscribe / unsubscribe and generally manage your preferences.

 

 

 




New Pronoun Badges Available Across Campuses

We are pleased to announce that pronoun badges are now available on both our Central and Holyrood campuses! This initiative aims to foster an inclusive environment, particularly supporting LGBTQ+ and trans* inclusivity within our community.

Where to Find the Badges:

  • Central Campus:
    • Main Library (Ground Floor Helpdesk)
    • Centre for Research Collections (Sixth Floor)
  • Holyrood Campus:
    • Campus Reception (Old Nursery Building)
  • Argyle House:
    • Currently holding a box of pronoun badges which will circulate to different site libraries starting mid-July.

Badge Options:

  • She/Her
  • He/Him
  • They/Them

Why Pronoun Badges?

Using pronoun badges is a simple yet impactful way to promote gender inclusivity. Whether through badges, email signatures, or casual conversations, stating your pronouns helps create a more respectful and understanding community. This practice is particularly significant for the inclusion of trans* individuals, who often face challenges around misgendering and lack of recognition.

Acknowledgements

A heartfelt thank you to Nel Coleman and Lena Wånggren for their efforts in organizing this initiative. Their commitment to fostering an inclusive environment is truly commendable.

Let’s embrace this opportunity to make our campuses more welcoming and inclusive for everyone.

Feel free to pick up your badge and wear it with pride!




Pride Events 2024

Here we will try to list all the events happening for Pride in and around the University (please check back for updates):

May

  1. Staff Pride Network BioQuarter Coffee & Cake Social
  2. Staff Pride Network Central Coffee & Cake

June

  1. Poetry Workshop
  2. Staff Pride Network Evening Social
  3. Little France Pride March and Information FairLittle France Pride 14th June 2pm
    1. Poster: Little France Pride
    2. Date: 14th June 2024
    3. Time: March at 14:00, Information Fair from 13:30 to 15:30
    4. Details:
      • Wellness Walk: Undertaken by the staff and students of Little France to celebrate the LGBTI+ community.
      • Information Fair: Held in the Chancellor’s Building.
      • Free Smoothie: Available for participants (limited availability).
      • Meeting Point: In front of Chancellor’s Building.
  4. Staff Pride Network Holyrood Coffee & Cake
    • Date: 18th June 2024
    • Time: 13:00 – 14:00 BST
    • Details: Coffee and cake social event at Holyrood organized by the Staff Pride Network. This event will run every third Tuesday of the month.
    • Link: Staff Pride Network Holyrood Coffee & Cake
  5. Staff Pride Network Kings Buildings Coffee & Cake
  6. Queer Ceilidh
    • Date: 20th June 2024
    • Details: An exciting event organized for Postgrad and PhD students to celebrate and engage with the LGBT+ community. Hosted by the Edinburgh University Students’ Association.
    • Link: The Queer Student Ceilidh
  7. Edinburgh Pride March and Festival
    • Date: 22nd June 2024
    • Time: Meet from 11:00 AM
    • Meeting Point: Levels Cafe on Holyrood Road
    • Details: We’ll meet at Levels cafe on Holyrood Road from 11:00 AM, then walk down to Holyrood Parliament for midday. Wear your SPN t-shirts and join us in the march. We have a limited supply of free SPN t-shirts available on a first come basis at Levels from 11:00 AM. After the march, we will have a chillout space available in the Informatics Forum. Contact details for access will be sent out the day before if you don’t enter with us after the march.
    • Additional Info: For the complete route, visit the Edinburgh Pride Official Website.
  8. Pride Service at BSTM Church
    • Date: 23rd June 2024
    • Time: 10:30 AM
    • Location: Broughton St Mary’s (BSTM) Parish Church and Comunity Hub
    • Details: A Pride Service celebrating and blessing all our wonderful diversity. The service includes a reading from Genesis, a prayer from Baltic Pride, and an inclusive form of the Lord’s Prayer.
    • Link: BSTM Church
  9. BioQuarter Pride Month Showcase & Coffee & Cake Social
    • Date: 25th June 2024
    • Time: Seminar from 12:30 to 13:40 BST, followed by Coffee & Cake Social at 13:40 BST
    • Location: Usher Seminar One, The Usher Building, Edinburgh BioQuarter
    • Details: An afternoon of talks on LGBT+ history and sociology, followed by an informal social in the Usher 1898 Cafe.
    • Speakers:
      • Andrew Gardiner, Senior Lecturer, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
      • Chase Ledin, Lecturer, Usher Institute
      • Bethany Parsons, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Corporate Services Group

      Pride-Month-Showcase-Landscape-Usher

    • Link: Staff Pride Network BioQuarter Coffee & Cake Social
  10. Staff Pride Network Central Coffee & Cake
  11. Staff Pride Network Trans and Non-Binary Meetup

July

  • Staff Pride Network Evening Social

Is there any other information or events you’d like to include? Please get in touch StaffPrideNetwork@ed.ac.uk




SPN Committee Response – Trans & non-binary liberation officer resignation

The Staff Pride Network Committee would like to first express our thanks to Robyn Woof for all her work in the role of trans & non-binary liberation officer, we have always valued her contributions to addressing transphobia on campus and in devising ways to better support our trans & non-binary staff and students. We respect her decision to resign as trans & non-binary liberation officer considering the ongoing institutional transphobia at the University of Edinburgh. Her resignation represents a significant loss to the University community and should serve as a reminder of the chilling effects of transphobia with respect to freedom of expression and participation. We wish her the best for her continuing studies and activism in Edinburgh and beyond. 

News article: THE STUDENT: Trans and Non-Binary Liberation Officer Robyn Woof resigns in protest of transphobia at university




LGBT+ History Month Events – February 2024

Join us in celebrating LGBT+ History Month with a series of engaging events across the University of Edinburgh. This year, we’re focusing on the theme of Medicine and the contributions of the LGBT+ community to science, culture, and society. Here’s what’s happening:

SPN- history month calendar 2024   

Highlighted Event

LGBT+ History in Science and Microscopy Evening with SPN-LGBT+Bio [Register HERE]

  • When: Wednesday, 21 February 2024, 6-7.30pm
  • Where: Ashworth 80, Biology Teaching Laboratories, Ashworth Laboratories, Kings Buildings
  • Details: A special celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month focusing on queer scientists’ contributions. Enjoy talks and hands-on experience with advanced microscopy technology. An evening of discovery and creativity awaits!

Academic and Community Events

Film Screening: “Framing Agnes” 

  • When: Wednesday, 14 February, 4pm (Film starts at 4:15pm)
  • Where: Screening Room, 50 George Square
  • Details: An award-winning documentary exploring discussions between trans clients and Dr. Harold Garfinkel at UCLA in the 1950s and 1960s. Open to all staff and students. Please register in advance. BYO cinema snacks!
  • Please register to attend

LGBTQ+ History Month Celebration by the Chaplaincy

BioQuarter Pride Committee Seminar: Our History in Medicine

  • When: Monday, 26 February, 3:30-5pm
  • Where: Seminar room 1.04, Niche cafe, Institute for Regeneration & Repair, Edinburgh BioQuarter
  • Details: Afternoon of flash talks, coffee, and cake celebrating our history in medicine. Open to research, teaching, clinical, and professional services staff.

Trans Inclusive Educational Spaces Register HERE

  • When: Mon, 26 Feb 2024 16:00 – 17:30 GMT
  • Where: The MacLaren Stuart Room, Old College, The University of Edinburgh
  • Details: Educator Jo Brassington joins us to host this workshop that will explore steps that can be taken to making PPLS an LGBT+ inclusive space. (Note: open to all UoE).

HCA School LGBTQ+ History Month guest lecture Register HERE.

  • When: Wednesday, 28 February 2024, 4-5.30pm
  • Where: Lecture Theatre 1, Appleton Tower
  • Details: Emeritus Professor of Cultural History and Sexuality Studies at the University of Manchester Laura Doan will give a lecture entitled, “Designs on Nature: Reinventing the Unnatural.” A reception will follow.

Recovering LGBTQ+ Student Voices at the University of Edinburgh: An Archival Project Register HERE

  • When: 28 February 2024 17:30 – 19:30
  • Where: Ground Floor Foyer, Chrystal MacMillan Building
  • Details: Join us for a roundtable discussion that will launch an archival project by the LGBTQ+ Liberation Campaign and the Centre for Research Collections. The project will highlight LGBTQ+ student voices at the University of Edinburgh (1968-present). At the roundtable, students and archivists working on the project, as well as academic researchers will to reflect on the importance of archival work for the LGBTQ+ community and questions of silence in the archive and oral history. The roundtable itself will be preceded by a small reception hosted by GENDER.ED. All are welcome!

Staff Pride Network (SPN) Socials and Feel Good Walks

Join us for a series of enriching walks and social gatherings this February, organized by the Staff Pride Network in celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month. These events are designed to offer a welcoming space for mental, social, and physical wellbeing, through open dialogues and shared experiences.

Central Campus Walk

  • Date: Thursday, 1 February
  • Time: 11:15am to 11:45am
  • Meeting Point: Old College Quad
  • Details: A collaboration with Active Lives and the EUSA LGBTQ+ Campaign, aiming to build community and share space for meaningful engagement.

Evening Social at the Royal Dick Bar, Summerhall [Details HERE]

  • When: Friday, 2 February, 5:30-10pm
  • Details: Casual Friday evening social for LGBT+ colleagues, committee members, and allies. A great opportunity to unwind and meet new people.

Kings Buildings Walk

  • When: Friday, 9 February, 12:30-1:30pm
  • Meeting Point: Front of the Nucleus Building
  • Coordinator: David Radford, SPN Social & Events Officer
  • Details: In collaboration with the LGBTQ+ Campaign, this walk promotes an inclusive space for mental and social wellbeing, encouraging open and positive conversations.

Kings Buildings Coffee & Cake @ Nucleus Cafe [Details HERE]

  • When: Wednesday, 21 February, 1-2pm
  • Details: Drop in for coffee, cake, and conversation. Open to all LGBT+/ally staff and PhD students.

BioQuarter Coffee & Cake Social and Walk [Register HERE]

  • When: Thursday, 22 February, 12:30pm to 1:30pm
  • Where: Meet at the Niche Cafe, located within the BioQuarter
  • Details: This month’s informal Coffee and Cake social event, hosted by the BioQuarter Pride Committee in collaboration with the Staff Pride Network, begins with delightful refreshments followed by a leisurely walk. The gathering aims to create a friendly and inclusive environment for all participants. We alternate locations between the Jex-Blake Cafe and the Niche Cafe, offering variety and accessibility.

Special Note: While registration is not essential, it helps in planning for the cake. If feeling apprehensive, participants are encouraged to reach out via email (BioQuarter.Pride@ed.ac.uk) for any assistance or to arrange a meet-up before the event. Look for the table with rainbow flags 🌈 to find the group.

Central Coffee & Cake @ Bayes Cafe [Details HERE]

  • When: Wednesday, 28 February, 1-2pm
  • Details: Join us for coffee, cake, and meet the SPN committee members. Open to all LGBT+/ally staff and PhD students.

Active Lives Walks: For those interested in additional walking opportunities, please visit the University of Edinburgh’s Sport and Exercise page on Feel Good Walks.

Special Events

STUC LGBT+ Workers Committee – Recognising LGBT+ Discrimination in the Workplace: Online Event

  • When: Thursday, 15 February 2024, 18:00
  • Details: Hosted by the Scottish TUC LGBT+ Workers Committee, this online event discusses forms of LGBT+ discrimination in the workplace. Register here.

EUSA-CRC-GENDER.ED LGBTQ+ History Month Reception and Roundtable REGISTER

  • When: Wednesday, 28 February 2024, Reception 5.30-6.30pm, Roundtable 6.30-7.30pm
  • Where: Lecture Theatre 1, Appleton Tower
  • Details: The EUSA LGBTQ+ Liberation Campaign, the Centre for Research Collections and GENDER.ED are coming together to organise a reception and roundtable to launch an archival project on LGBTQ+ Student Voices at the University of Edinburgh.

IASH – Cutting Edges of the Decolonial: Thinking Anthropocentrism and Queerphobia from/in the Arab-majority World(s) REGISTER

  • When: Thursday, 29 February 2024, 17:30-18:30
  • Where: The Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities, 2 Hope Park Square, Edinburgh EH8 9NW
  • Details: IASH in partnership with Alwaleed Centre, GENDER.ED and RACE.ED present a talk by Dr Ali Kassem – Department of Sociology and Anthropology, National University of Singapore.

University of Edinburgh Students’ Association Events

  • Participation Art Event 1973: Provocation or Prophecy? on 13 February 17:30 Register here.
  • LGBTQ+ Histories, Health and Wellbeing Discovery Sessions on the 14 and 28 February.

For more information on any of the above events, please visit the Staff Pride Network Events page and keep an eye on university communications for any additional events or updates.

 




Creative events of the LGBTQ+ History Month: An SPA funded project

In this post, Jonathan MacBride offers a review of creative events that he along with colleagues Jaime Prada and Katie Nicoll Baines organised during the LGBTQ+ History Month, these were supported by the Student-Staff Partnership fund. This post belongs to the Hot Topic series: Student Partnership Agreement 2023↗️.

The original article appeared here: https://www.teaching-matters-blog.ed.ac.uk/student-staff-partnership-fund-report/


Edinburgh University Students’ Association’s (EUSA) queer societies, including the LGBT+ Liberation Campaign, organised a variety of creative events in February for LGBTQ+ History Month. These were supported by The University of Edinburgh’s Staff Pride Network and attended by a wide range of students and staff, with funding from the Student-Staff Partnership Fund.

Photography Workshop (Fri 10 Feb): The Photography Workshop was led by Colin McGuire and Evie Siddal, who taught different techniques to capture intimate moments of queer joy while also discovering how to photograph queer bodies and give subjects the confidence to get the perfect shot! Themes included queer intimacy, gender dysphoria, body positivity, body neutrality, self-expression and sexuality.

Sculpture Workshop (Fri 17 Feb): This Sculpture Workshop was led by Ames Truscott, who guided different exercises to use one’s own queerness to create clay sculptures, learn about queer bodies and explore the creative process! Themes included gender dysphoria, body positivity, body neutrality, self-expression and sexuality.

Life Drawing Workshop (Fri 24 Feb): This Life Drawing Workshop was led by Ryn Wheatley and assisted by models Evie Siddal and August Dawn, who taught different techniques to draw queer bodies and explore one’s own creative process. Themes included queer intimacy, gender dysphoria, body positivity, body neutrality, self-expression and sexuality.

Celebrating Queer Joy Exhibition (Mon 27th – Tues 28th Feb): This exhibition was organised as part of the LGBTQ+ History Month programme by the LGBTQ+ Liberation Campaign and the Staff Pride Network. This collection showcased pieces from staff and students to amplify queer joy in all its forms. We reflected on matters such as friendship, family, intimacy and gender euphoria while also discovering queer local talent.

LGBT+ Liberation Officer Jaime Prada sourced workshop leaders, curated the exhibition, materials and found the venues. Staff Pride Network volunteers collaborated to source venues for the exhibition and found this particularly difficult for such a large scale event and limited suitable exhibition spaces.

Many people tried new methods including myself at the Sculpture Workshop. A snake and Stonehenge arch were two of my many uncomplicated creations, of which the arch stands proudly in my house. Its three bits of clay stuck together but I’m proud. There were incredibly detailed pieces created by those with much greater skills than I! The closing exhibition was inspirational and highlighted the diverse media used by LGBT+ creators, including glass, photography, digital art and clay compositions.

Jaime has moved on from the University but the legacy of this joint project and its funding live on in the pieces created by student and staff participants and their new-found skills. The experience led to Jaime and I collaborating on an LGBTQ+ youth art exhibition as part of Pride Edinburgh 2023, viewed by thousands of Pride-goers. The art exhibition for Pride Edinburgh 2024 will build on this success. The Staff Pride Network has increased experience in hosting a new type of event. Jaime now works as the EDI Manager at the British Museum.


picture of editor/producerJONATHAN MACBRIDE

Jonathan is passionate about the importance of EDI in every aspect of life. He is a squash competitor, qualified squash coach and referee. He has two decades of LGBTQ+ activism, Staff Pride Network Social & Events Officer and founding Co-Chair, World OutGames Squash Gold Medallist x 2. He is also the Pride Edinburgh Community Engagement Director, Edinburgh Curveballs Chair, Scottish Squash Diversity & Inclusion External Working Group member, husband to a husband. At The University of Edinburgh he serves as the Informatics Graduate School Administrative Assistant by supporting PGR students through their early research career.




A Collective Statement Calling on the University of Edinburgh to Protect Speech on Palestine, Address the Intimidation on Campus, and Cut University Links to Violence

The horrific events of October 2023 continue to unfold in scenes of catastrophic violence and loss of life
in Israel/Palestine. We recognise how the assault on and violation of Palestinian and Israeli life has
produced anguish, grief and fear amongst all affected communities, and acknowledge the historical and
ongoing causes. We are particularly alarmed by the current escalation of the state of Israel’s genocidal
campaign in Gaza, which has claimed over 10,569 lives of civilians as of 8 November 2023, including
4,324 children. About 2,350 others are reported missing in Gaza, including 1,300 children.

Rather than take a stand against the ongoing atrocities, the UK government is providing full political
support for it, which extends to eroding civil liberties and enabling repression within UK academia. This
includes the October 17 letter from Secretary of State for Education Gillian Keegan and Under Secretary
for Higher Education Robert Halfon to Vice-Chancellors that directly equates support for Palestinians
with support for Hamas, and Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Michelle
Donelan’s intervention insisting that members of the EDI advisory panel of UKRI whose social media
posts were critical of the state of Israel be sacked. UKRI subsequently suspended the whole panel, which
had just been named at the end of October.

We–networks, groups, and members of staff at the University of Edinburgh–wish to collectively express
our deep concern over these interventions, and the climate of increasing intimidation and escalating
restrictions on free speech within British higher education institutions on the topic of Israel/Palestine.
We are witnessing a growing atmosphere of fear and suspicion, which includes conflating criticism of the
state of Israel’s human rights violations with automatic support for Hamas, and reducing the space to
discuss history and context in relation to Israel/Palestine, particularly the Palestinian condition.

It goes without saying that antisemitism and anti-Palestinian racism should not be tolerated on campus,
and we stand against all forms of racism and discrimination. We also recognize that it is the speech and
action in support of Palestinians and critical of the state of Israel that is overwhelmingly and
institutionally targeted and treated as a potential security threat.

In this context, we note that the University of Edinburgh Principal’s statement on Israel-Gaza on 13
October 2023 linked to a UUK statement that threatened ‘any student or staff member found to be
supporting Hamas’ with treatment of the ‘utmost seriousness.’ This is particularly concerning because of
the vague and punitive way in which ‘support for Hamas’ is intentionally conflated in the recent letter
written by the UK Home Secretary to Police Chief Constables in England and Wales, which seeks to
criminalize symbols such as the ‘Palestinian flag’ and principled statements such as ‘Palestine will be
free’. The letter also states that police may subjectively decide whether such slogans ‘glorify terrorism’ or
can be ‘construe[d] as incitement or harassment.’ These developments are extremely troubling for staff
and students who teach and research on topics related to Israel/Palestine, especially those who are at
risk of having their visas revoked.

These are not idle fears. Over the past month, academics and students throughout the UK who have
spoken out in solidarity with besieged Palestinians in Gaza and against war crimes have been subject to
threatening responses online, in the news media, and in some cases confronted with disciplinary or even
legal action. Here at the University of Edinburgh, students have described incidents of intimidation,
surveillance and attempts at criminalizing speech and action for Palestine, including the carrying of the
Palestinian flag. Staff members have reported fears about carrying out teaching or research on Palestine
given the climate of repression and intimidation, or being advised by their managers not to mention
what is happening in Israel/Palestine over university email. An article targeting various University staff
has already appeared, and we fear that such an article misrepresenting staff’s research, teaching and
speech could be used as a basis for targeting and monitoring individual members of staff.

Aggressive measures taken by the Government, vague and one-sided statements such as the UUK
statement that was immediately (and uncritically) shared by our Principal, and reports of surveillance of
and harassment at student protests are all dangerous elements restricting academic freedom and
intensifying anti-Palestinian racism on campus.

We believe that now, more than ever, education and debate is required in order to cultivate shared
understandings about Israel/Palestine and forestall further catastrophic loss of life.

We call on the Principal and Senior Leadership Team to:

1. Reassure all staff and students in an official statement that speech about Israel/Palestine, including
criticizing the state of Israel’s violations of human rights and supporting the Palestinian people’s right
to self-determination – be it through teaching, events, demonstrations or communications – will not
be surveilled or securitized. We also call on the University to commit to protecting staff and students
who might be targeted for such speech. In particular, we ask the Principal to endorse the call of
Amnesty International that: ‘the UK must scrap the Prevent strategy in order to comply with its
international human rights obligations’.

2. Reassure staff and students that the right to education and academic freedom will be protected.
This should include suspension of the controversial IHRA definition of antisemitism and reversion to
the 2010 Equality Act as the framework through which to fight antisemitism and all forms of racism
and discrimination. In 2020, our University adopted the definition without consultation with staff or
student groups who would be affected by its severe restrictions of academic freedom and freedom of
speech–as recently reported by the British Middle East Studies Association (BRISMES) and the
European Legal Support Centre (ELSC). If the University considers the 2010 Equality Act insufficient to
tackle antisemitism, it must resume a process of considering alternative definitions that enable action
against antisemitism without drawing false equivalences between critique of Israel’s racist state
policies and antisemitism.

3. Acknowledge the University’s connections to violence in Israel/Palestine. The University has a
unique historical involvement with the root causes of violence in Israel/Palestine, and continues to be
involved in violence through financial investments as well as research links with weapons companies.
Our University should acknowledge publicly that Chancellor Arthur James Balfour signed the 1917
Declaration on Palestine, a monumental imperial act denying the Palestinian people the right to
self-determination in their own homeland. The University should also review, publicly disclose, and
divest from all investments in companies that directly or indirectly profit from the illegal military
occupation and colonization of Palestine, as well as research or other links with weapons companies
that provide arms to the state of Israel, directly or indirectly.

4. Institutionally support and allocate resources to decolonial and anti-racist organizing happening
right now between Palestinian, Jewish and various communities on campus, particularly initiatives
that challenge the root causes of injustice in Israel/Palestine and their reverberations in the UK. Jewish
and Palestinian staff, students, and allies at UoE have already begun this collective work. This requires
holding space for the expression of compassion, sorrow and solidarity. We ask that the University
meet with members of affected communities to discuss how to institutionally support and protect
these important efforts.

Signatories:

Centre for Ethics and Critical Thought (CRITIQUE), University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh Centre for International and Global Law, University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh Race Equality Network (EREN) Committee, University of Edinburgh
Jewish Staff Association Organising Committee, University of Edinburgh
Politics and International Relations Political Theory Research Group, University of Edinburgh
RACE.ED Steering Committee, University of Edinburgh
Staff BAME Network, University of Edinburgh
Staff of the Alwaleed Centre for the Study of Islam in the Contemporary World, University of Edinburgh
Staff Pride Network Committee, University of Edinburgh
The Centre for Security Research (CeSeR) Co-Directors, University of Edinburgh
The History Decolonisation Working Group Co-chairs, University of Edinburgh
UCU Edinburgh Branch Committee, University of Edinburgh
Womxn of Colour Collective, University of Edinburgh

 

Original statement

Image of Statement Part 1

Image of Statement Part 2Image of Statement Part 3



Understanding the Impact of Misinformation on Trans Lives

The Staff Pride Network is honored to have hosted an insightful event featuring TJ Billard, who provided an in-depth analysis of the role media plays in perpetuating harmful stereotypes and disinformation. TJ Billard is an Assistant Professor in the School of Communication at Northwestern University and Executive Director of the Center for Applied Transgender Studies in Chicago, USA.

The discussion kicked off with an exploration of how media outlets contribute to the spread of misinformation, especially concerning trans issues. The speaker then delved into the influence of capitalism on media narratives, highlighting how profit-driven motives can compromise the integrity of information disseminated to the public.

The talk also covered the legislative landscape affecting trans rights, both in the United States and globally. The speaker provided a comprehensive overview of state policies and their implications for the trans community, offering insights into the challenges faced in different cultural and social contexts.

One of the standout moments was the exploration of the Media System Dependency Theory, which shed light on how media shapes our perceptions and attitudes. The speaker also touched upon the importance of community and social networks in combating misinformation and fostering a more inclusive environment.

The event concluded with a lively Q&A session, where attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and engage in meaningful dialogue. The questions ranged from the role of media in shaping public opinion to the steps that can be taken to counteract the negative impact of misinformation.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in this event, making it a resounding success. We look forward to hosting more such events in the future to continue the important conversation around LGBTQ+ issues.




Highlighting Bi+ Visibility: A Glimpse into the Spectrum at the University of Edinburgh

Bi+ Visibility Day, celebrated annually on September 23, serves as a cornerstone for acknowledging and honouring the diverse identities encompassed within the Bi+ umbrella*, which includes bisexual, biromantic, and other non-monosexual identities. It’s a day dedicated to fostering understanding, dispelling misconceptions, and encouraging discourse around bisexuality within and beyond LGBT+ spaces.

At the University of Edinburgh, the Staff Pride Network (SPN) has participated in Bi+ Visibility Day to underline the significance of this day. In 2020, SPN organized an online event where members, along with the Pridesoc student network, engaged in dialogues to delve into the diverse experiences of Bi+ individuals, with a particular focus on inclusivity for BAME/PoC Bi+ people and Bi+ people with disabilities​1​​2.

In 2021, a panel discussion co-hosted by SPN and PrideSoc delved into the evolution of Bi+ visibility through digital platforms, emphasizing the potential of online spaces in promoting Bi+ visibility and community engagement​3.

The engagement in Bi+ Visibility Day events not only provides a platform for discussions and learning but also reflects a step towards fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding within the academic environment. Through such events, the discourse on inclusivity, acceptance, and the challenges faced by the Bi+ community is propelled, aiding in crafting a more informed and supportive environment for all.

Below: SPN volunteers telling people about Bi+ Visibility Day and the intersectional inclusion work going on at UoE by the Staff Pride Network at Door Open Day Edinburgh at the Playfair Library. Thanks to Rachel, Regina, Julie, Michelle and Jonathan for hosting. #BiVisibilityDay #DoorsOpenDay

Doors open day sign

Edinburgh Neuroscience posing with the Staff Pride Network at Doors open day

Telling people about Bi+ Visibility Day and the intersectional inclusion work going on at UoE by the Staff Pride Network today & tomorrow at @DODEdinburgh at the Playfair Library. Thanks to Rachel, Regina, Julie, Michelle and Jonathan for hosting. #BiVisibilityDay #DoorsOpenDay

Telling people about Bi+ Visibility Day and the intersectional inclusion work going on at UoE by the Staff Pride Network today & tomorrow at @DODEdinburgh at the Playfair Library. Thanks to Rachel, Regina, Julie, Michelle and Jonathan for hosting. #BiVisibilityDay #DoorsOpenDay
  1. Bi Visibility Day 2020: Solidarity Across The Distance – Staff Pride Network
  2. Bi+ Visibility Day 2021 Becoming Visible in a Digital World
  3. Bi Visibility Day 2020: Solidarity Across The Distance

 

*The term ‘Bi+’ in this context relates to an umbrella definition of bisexuality that includes people who are attracted to more than one gender, and may self-identify as bisexual, pansexual, omnisexual, bi-romantic, questioning or bi-curious, to name but a few identities. We recognise that identities are unique and sometimes cannot be easily defined with labels. The Bi+ community is inclusive of trans and non-binary people.​