27 February 2026
Here is what LGBT+ History Month means to staff and students across the University of Sunderland
February marks LGBT+ History Month which was created by Schools Out to celebrate and reflect on the contributions and rich histories of LGBT+ people past and present.
Marking this, staff and students at the University of Sunderland have shared what LGBT+ History Month means to them.
This year’s theme is Science and Innovation and explores how LGBT+ scientists and innovators have helped shape our lives.
Here is what LGBT+ History Month means to staff and students across the University:
Charlotte Feather and Donna Bainbridge, Co-Chairs of the University of Sunderland’s Staff Pride Network, said: “For us, LGBT+ History Month is a time to reflect and reconnect with the histories and communities that have shaped who we are.
“It’s about being visible, standing in solidarity, and reaffirming our commitment to making the University of Sunderland a place where LGBTQ+ staff and students are seen and heard.”
Dani Atkinson, who studies SEND and Inclusion at the University, said: “LGBT+ History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the path paved through history, and the ongoing strive for equity, diversity, inclusion, and visibility. Being educated in the 1990s, a lack of visibility led to a lack of awareness, knowledge, and understanding. On a personal level, this resulted in a much-delayed understanding and acceptance of my own identity.
“The rise in visibility on screen, alongside more open communication, has helped me understand who I am and celebrate my identity with pride. This month provides opportunity and raises awareness, giving younger generations a platform to explore and understand their own identity and/or the identity of others.
“It is also a time to unite, to come together to celebrate those who came before us and the work they have done, while also focusing on what still needs to be done. At this moment in time, that feels especially crucial.”
Dr Adam Dawkins, Pride Network Senior Sponsor, Deputy Academic Registrar and Deputy Clerk to the Board of Governors, said: “The LGBT+ History Month 2026 theme of Science and Innovation acknowledges a roll call of often unsung figures in the fields of science and innovation who have discovered major breakthroughs in science, advanced our understanding of the natural and physical environments in which we all live, the health and wellbeing of the nation.
“Alan Turing is a now famous name which springs to many of our minds, as a mathematician and computer scientist whose expert efforts were even crucial to national security. Turing’s contributions did not just remain unrecognised for several decades, but at the time was both decried and criminalised because of his sexuality.
“The month also acknowledges the many examples of science directly improving the lives, health and wellbeing of LBGTQ+ communities, as well as those instances where science has been used to do a disservice to our communities.
“It’s also a time to celebrate current and future scientists, at all levels of education and academia, who champion and cheerlead LGBTQ+ representation and participation in the sciences and the STEM disciplines.
“This includes our own staff and students, in their fields of science and innovation, who educate and inspire the next generations of scientists and science educators, and foster an environment where everyone can feel comfortable to be themselves and do their best work."