LGBTQ+ History Month aims to increase the visibility of LGBTQ+ people, their history and experiences.
It’s an opportunity to reflect on the progress that has been made for LGBTQ+ rights, whilst also recognising the barriers that still exist and the importance of continuing to fight for equality.
We caught up with Lola Karpf, an Anthropology (MA) student who is currently completing the Bristol PLUS Award, to find out about the work she’s done to champion LGBTQ+ friendly spaces.
Volunteering as a pen pal for the Bent Bars project
“Bent Bars is a letter-writing project for LGBTQ+ people. It works by pairing queer people in the UK with queer people in prison or detention centres, and you become pen pals by writing letters to each other, so you get to know each other quite well.
I decided to get involved because I am really passionate about prison reform and abolition, and as a queer person I wanted to offer solidarity and connection who’s in quite an isolated institution like prison.”
LGBTQ+ History Month: building connections, breaking barriers
“I think volunteering with Bent Bars ties in really nicely with the themes of LGBTQ+ History Month.
It’s about overcoming prejudice – before I got involved with volunteering, I had many pre-conceived ideas (like many others would) about people in prisons and their life situations. By becoming a pen pal, I really got to understand someone else’s experiences and overcome a lot of that prejudice.
By volunteering, I have been able to offer connection and solidarity with queer people everywhere. No matter the situation or what they’ve done, standing in solidarity with them against whatever discrimination they may be facing.”
Tailored advice and support for LGBTQ+ students
Read our blog post to learn about tailored support for LGBTQIA+ students and our top tips for researching inclusive employers.
Attend our panel event on Wednesday 21 February and hear speakers across a range of sectors explore what it’s like to be a LGBTQIA+ person in the workplace.
Are you up for the challenge?
Lola received formal recognition for her Bent Bars volunteering through the Bristol PLUS Award, the university’s employability award.
The PLUS Award recognises any extra-curricular activities completed during your studies – including all paid or unpaid roles. If you’ve already been working part-time, volunteering, or been on a committee in a student society, why not get rewarded for your activities?
Find out more and get started through the PLUS Award webpage.