Thursday 17 May is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. This years theme is “Together always: united in diversity”.

The University will again be flying the rainbow flag for LGBT+ equality on IDAHoBiT.

Colleagues and students are invited to gather around the Whiteknights Campus flagpole, between Whiteknights House and the Library, at 12.30pm on Wednesday 17 May for the annual flag-raising.

Professor Parveen Yaqoob, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, will host a short ceremony with speeches by Dr Ruvi Ziegler, Co-Chair of the LGBT Plus Staff Network, and student representatives.

Professor Parveen Yaqoob, who is also LGBT+ Champion on the University Executive Board, said: “IDAHoBiT is about the power of solidarity, allyship and community.”

”While we might only fly the rainbow flag for a short period each year, our commitment to an inclusive environment at Reading lasts all year round. I look forward to sharing this opportunity for advocacy and celebration with as many colleagues as possible at the flag-raising.”

The IDAHoBiT flag-raising and other events in the University calendar seek to continue the legacy of our former Vice-Chancellor, Lord Wolfenden, who chaired the committee that wrote the landmark Wolfenden Report in 1957, which led to the decriminalisation of homosexuality in the UK.

Further reading:

Our talented team of Student Content Creators and Inclusion Consultants have written a selection of blogs about LGBT+ history, how to be an LLGBT+ ally, and more:

• Pronouns: Why do they Matter? – Gabe James
• How to be an LGBT+ Ally
• Historical LGBTQ+ figures
• LGBT+ Film Icons
• The legacy of LGBT+ History within Reading by Dominique Vincent
• What is LGBT+ History Month?
• 10 LGBT+ Films to add to your ‘Watch List’
• Queer into the Past
• What I’ve learnt about LGBT+ History Month

If you are a member of the LGBTQA+ community in need of support:

• #NeverOK – Takes a stand against negative behaviours, including all forms of bullying, harassment and discrimination. If you have experienced or witnessed any form of bullying, harassment or discrimination, you can report it here.
• Report Harmful Content (UK Safer Internet Centre) – The Report Harmful Content button is a quick and simple method for helping anyone to get advice or to report offensive or harmful material that they may have seen or been victim to online.
• The local Thames Valley Charity Support U are an LGBT+ resource centre. They offer specialist LGBT+ counselling and reporting hate crime and domestic & sexual abuse support services. They also have events and groups you can join, including the R-Trans Group, Reading’s longest Trans inclusive support and social group. They also have a helpline (0118 321 9111) open Monday to Friday, 10:00 until 17:00, and if you’d prefer to talk face to face you can also book an appointment at their Wellbeing centre in Reading.
• MindLine Trans+ provides a safe place to talk about your feelings confidentially. They don’t record calls, and they don’t ask for personal details. Their volunteers have lived experience of Trans+, or are allies. They respond to your calls as often as possible. They’re open two evenings a week (Mondays and Fridays) from 8 pm to midnight. You can call them on 0300 330 5468.
• The LGBT+ anti-abuse charity Galop has an LGBT+ Hate Crime Helpline 020 7704 2040, open Monday to Friday 10:00 until 14:00. Alternatively you can email HateCrime@galop.org.uk 
• Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline offer a one stop listening service for LGBTQ+ people by phone, email or instant messaging service. You can call 0300 330 0630 from 10:00 until 22:00 every day.

• Urgent concerns about your mental health? Call the Berkshire NHS Crisis number on 0800 129 9999; they are available 24/7.
• If you are feeling suicidal or desperate to talk to someone, you can call the Samaritans for free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 116 123.
• PAPYRUS is the national UK charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide and offers a telephone and text service on 0800 068 4141. The service is staffed by trained mental health professionals 10am – 10pm weekdays and 2 – 5pm at the weekend.
• Your doctor/GP practice. If you are registered with the University Medical practice in Northcourt Avenue, the number is: 0118 987 4551. Otherwise, please contact the doctor with whom you are registered.
• Non-urgent NHS medical help/advice: 111
• Emergency services:999
• University Security Team emergency number: 0118 378 6300
• University Security Team non-emergency number: 0118 378 7799 or safety@reading.ac.uk.
• University of Reading resources
• The Student Welfare Team is here to help you with any personal difficulties you may experience during your time at the University. Call 0118 378 4777 or email studentwelfare@reading.ac.uk
• The Counselling and Wellbeing Team is the place to go for professional counselling, wellbeing, and mental health support – available free of charge to all University of Reading students. Call 0118 378 4216, or email counselling@reading.ac.uk