The University Library held a hugely popular Pride event in June with a free book giveaway that brought our LGBTQ+ community together. The day celebrated our students and staff from all backgrounds and experiences to create a safe and comfortable space for everyone.

The Library held a giveaway of copies of various books: Beyond the Gender Binary by Alok Vaid-Menon, All the Young Men by Ruth Coker Burns and Detransition Baby by Torrey Peters which the students absolutely loved. They also shared a reading list of LGBTQ+ books which were displayed around the Library. Students and staff could write on the ‘Wall of Appreciation’ that was constructed out of post it notes in the Pride flag colours. Many wrote their thoughts and feelings about being a part of the LGBTQ+ community and what the Pride event meant to them. Below, Zara shares their thoughts on the day.

“For many LGBTQ+ students, seeing the library choose to represent, reach out to and accommodate the community at the university and beyond is amazing, and makes campus feel so much more welcoming. Being able to take away a book to continue learning is particularly special.

For our group, the LGBTQ+ Forum, we've found that the library is exceptional at centring and amplifying LGBTQ+ voices, and this event continued that trend - we loved seeing so many different community members come together, and being able to reach more students, especially in the leadup to pride in Lancaster. We look forward to working together again!”

Zara Murphy, Intersectionality Officer, Lancaster University LGBTQ+ Forum