February is LGBT+ History Month, marked each year to coincide with the abolition of Section 28 back in 2003. It’s time when we pay extra attention to try and break the silence that surrounds the lives of people who do not fit the conventional ideas about sexuality and gender. We look back at the histories that have often been left untold, and celebrate the beauty of being who we are without fear, while staying aware that there are remaining issues that need addressing and educating ourselves about the complexities that form us as human beings.
If you are coming to the Library this month, stop by our book and information displays dedicated to LGBT+ History Month – you’ll find them on Level 5 of Northampton Square Library and in the Law Library. You may also enjoy this playlist of films and TV programmes compiled by Library staff that you can stream from the comfort of your home if you’re in the UK, or you can borrow a DVD from the Library where we have films like Call Me By Your Name, Carol, Pride, The Crying Game, My Beautiful Laundrette and more.
Looking for magazines? Have a look on PressReader for glossies like Gay Times, Playful, or DNA Magazine. Or, if you’re after academic content, use CityLibrary Search to find articles, or browse journals like, for example, Journal of LGBT Youth, Journal of Lesbian Studies, Journal of LGBT Issues in Counseling, Journal of GLBT family studies, and others.
If there are books by or about LGBT+ community that you think the Library should have, feel free to recommend them to us via Liberating CityLibrary book scheme to increase the diversity of our collections. You can read more about our Liberating CityLibrary initiative here.
If you are looking for e-books, have a look at the our LGBT+ History Month’s selection on OverDrive, or find more using CityLibrary Search: just enter your keywords and narrow down your results by using “e-book” filter on the left side of the screen.
And, finally, are you looking for a support network and allies at City? If so, you may consider getting involved in the City students’ LGBTQ+ Society, or the LGBTQI+ Network if you are a member of staff. Or, if you’re looking for opportunities to connect with others and educate yourself, have a look at some of the LGBT+ History Month events taking place near you or online.