Flying the flag for equality

Chair of our LGBT+ network ENFYS Karen Cooke tells us more…

As many of you will have already seen the University has been flying the rainbow flag above Main Building. Being given the green light to fly the flag was a real sign of commitment to equality and diversity by the University. Staff and students within the LGBT community and beyond have expressed their pride in being associated with such a supportive institution and I, personally, am extremely grateful for this public display of support and commitment.

LGBT History Month celebrates the lives and achievements of the LGBT community. I'm delighted that here at the University we use this as an opportunity to celebrate our own community and the contribution they make to the success and diversity of our organisation.

Throughout February there are a host of events taking place both at the University and around Cardiff. From next week we'll be hosting the Pink Portraits Exhibition – a series of striking portraits of successful gay and lesbian professionals working in the film industry, by acclaimed photographer Donald MacLellan. The exhibition, which is on display in the School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, includes notable individuals such as Sir Ian McKellan, Stephen Fry, and Berwyn Rowlands.

On Tuesday 19^th February from 6-8pm ENFYS will be hosting the highlight of the University's celebrations with a networking event in Main Building Council Chamber. I will be giving a presentation along with Professor Karen Holford (Pro Vice Chancellor, College of Physical Sciences) and Jack Oakley (Student Union LGBT+ association). We'll also be showing a short film about the life and work of Alan Turing as the theme of this year's event is Science, Engineering and Maths. We are welcoming all staff, those who are part of the LGBT+ community and those who are Friends of Enfys to come along to this celebration and networking opportunity.

Beyond the University there are a number of events being held across the city including various film screenings and an audience with Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas. Further information on all of the events can be foundhere.