Today, 1 February, marks the start of LGBT+ History Month, celebrating the lives and achievements of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

This morning, Senior Shift Porter John Turton and representatives from the GCSU and MCR raised the rainbow flag above our Waterhouse Building, joining the University and Colleges in celebrating diversity within Cambridge.

The College will be celebrating throughout the month in a number of ways. Tonight, students will gather to explore culture and identity at our Diversity Day. Following on from the success of last year, the event will again “focus on the goal of making Cambridge and Caius welcoming to minorities, rather than just accessible” as GCSU President Omar El Oakley remarked. The evening will open with a speech from keynote speaker, Cephas Williams, the photographer known for his “56 Black Men” project and campaign to change the narrative of black men in the media. Various cultural societies will also provide a showcase of art, ethnic dress, food and traditional literature, and attendees will have a chance to listen to spoken-word performances coordinated by Language in the Community and participate in drama therapy workshops led by Acting Now.

The usual events and activities for the Caius LGBT+ community will continue throughout the month. In addition to this, the GCSU will be hosting a Rainbow Formal Hall on Friday 21 February for self-identifying Caius LGBT+ students and their guest.

The flag will be raised again on Saturday 29 February, marking the last day of LGBT+ History Month, but of course, our focus on diversity and inclusiveness will continue all year round.