Renowned human rights activist is to address staff, students and the public as part of a University of Wolverhampton event celebrating equality.
Peter Tatchell is the keynote speaker at The Unfinished Battle for LGBT Equality at the University’s Arena Theatre in Wulfruna Street.
Tatchell is director of the London-based human rights organisation, the Peter Tatchell Foundation, and coordinator of the Equal Love campaign and has been involved in campaigning for many years.
He will highlight the great progress that has been made for equality for the LGBT community in the UK in recent times but that there are still key issues that need to be addressed for true equality to be achieved.
Laura Jones, chair of the University of Wolverhampton Students’ Union LGBT+ society said: “The UWSU LGBT+ Society is very excited to be taking part in the event, not least in part because of the key note speech by Peter Tatchell.
This for staff, students and visitors alike is a fantastic opportunity to be addressed by someone on the forefront of positive political activism and the fight for equality.
We are also very proud to announce that as a society, we will be presenting Mr Tatchell with our highest student-based award, the UWSU LGBT+ society Certificate of Excellence.”
Cindy Williams-Findlay, the University’s Equality and Diversity Manager said: “We are extremely fortunate to have secured this visit from one of our leading campaigners for LGBT equality. I am sure that Peter will provide great insights into the battles that have been won and the issues of inequality that remain.”
The event, which is being staged as part of LGBT History Month, will be opened by the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Geoff Layer.
Other speakers include Martha Bishop, chair of LGBT Network Wolverhampton and Laura Jones, chair of the student LGBT+ Society, who will talk about Wolverhampton Pride and Student Involvement, Wolverhampton LGBT History Project’s Andy Howell and Geoff Hardy and Peter Roscoe of the Shropshire Rainbow Film Festival.
The day, which runs from 10:30am to 4pm, will conclude with a screening of documentary film East Bloc Love.
The event is free but space is limited so places have to be booked in advance by contacting Bali Brophy on 01902 322954 or via email [email protected]
