The LGBTQ+ Network for Staff at the University
Bedfordshire recognises the importance of networks in creating a positive, safe and open working environment for staff and have made a commitment to setting up an LGBTQ Staff network open to any staff member, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Our initial aim is to fully support LGBTQ staff to help the diverse University that we are to grow into an even better organisation that all staff are truly proud to work for and students truly proud to study at. A place where everyone feels free to express themselves and can achieve their full potential.
🌈Each month we are live on Radio Lab with our LGBTQ+ radio hour. Listen Wednesdays at 12pm on 97.1FM.
Playing music from LGBTQ artists and icons and discussing the latest LGBTQ news events from around Bedfordshire and the world. 🌈
Listen to our previous episodes on Mix Cloud.
Upcoming LGBTQ Events
For more information on events, email lgbtqalliance@beds.ac.uk
On December 1st we shall be at the Bedford and Luton campuses with red ribbons. The red ribbon is a sign of support to those who have and are living with HIV and AIDS. As a staff network we made a contribution to the National AIDS Trust and in return they ask for us to share their ribbons and show viability and solidarity.
What is Worlds AIDS Day?
is an international day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and mourning those who have died of the disease. The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The HIV virus attacks the immune system of the patient and reduces its resistance to other 'diseases'.[2] Government and health officials, non-governmental organizations, and individuals around the world observe the day, often with education on AIDS prevention and control.
World AIDS Day is one of the eleven official global public health campaigns marked by the World Health Organization (WHO), along with World Health Day, World Blood Donor Day, World Immunization Week, World Tuberculosis Day, World No Tobacco Day, World Malaria Day, World Hepatitis Day, World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, World Patient Safety Day and World Chagas Disease Day.[3]
As of 2020, AIDS has killed 36.3 million people worldwide, and an estimated 37.7 million people are living with HIV making it one of the most important global public health issues in recorded history. Thanks to recent improved access to antiretroviral treatment in many regions of the world, the death rate from AIDS epidemic has decreased by 64% since its peak in 2004 (1.9 million in 2004, compared to 680 000 in 2020).
Watch our panel event - LGBTQ+ Football Equality
Watch our Beds Talk on Delivering LGBT themes within Relationships & Health Education (RSE) in Primary School
Past events
In February 2021 we had the pleasure of Lieutenant Caroline Paige attending a coffee morning. She spoke to staff and students on the challenges of being trans in the British forces and how she helped to shape policy and influence change.
We invited staff to join us for a watch party, where we could come together and have a good chat while watching "The Boys In the Band".
Staff, along with their friends and family, were invited to form an online team and put their LGBTQ knowledge to the test.
December 1 is World AIDS day and we wewre handing out ribbons in Park Square Costa Luton and Gateway Bedford on Wednesday 1 December 2021.
This World AIDS Day, we remember those we’ve lost, join in solidarity with people living with HIV today, and transform the future for everyone by ending HIV transmissions.
This year, we're highlighting the importance of HIV testing. Testing is key to ending HIV transmissions. The sooner people know their status, the quicker they can get on to treatment. Effective treatment helps people to live long, healthy lives with HIV and means they can't pass the virus on.
Find our more at THT.org.uk