Staff news

Events mark Stonewall Riots impact

A landmark anniversary in LGBT+ history is to be marked in a major academic conference at the University.

The event - 50 Years After Stonewall - will examine how LGBT+ rights have developed since the Stonewall Riots of 1969. The riots led to the first Gay Pride marches and helped create a cohesive voice within the LGBT+ community.

First Minister

The conference – which runs from 10 to 13 September - begins with a reception at the Scottish Parliament. Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will speak about the country’s progress in LGBT+ equality.

On 12 and 13 September the University’s Playfair Library  and St. Cecilia's Hall will host discussions on LGBT+ issues from the perspectives law, politics, education, medicine and religion. LGBT+ rights outside the Western context, including from Uganda, will also be considered.

Speakers include the Director-General of the Taiwan Representative Office in Edinburgh, as well as high profile academics and activists.

Academic research provides the opportunity to reflect and learn from the past and we are delighted to share LGBT+ learnings of the 50 years since the catalytic Stonewall Riots. We hope attendees find the conference inspiring.

Jonathan MacbrideCo-chair of the University of Edinburgh Staff Pride Network

Flags flying

LGBT+ flags will be flown from various University buildings during the conference.

The events have been organised by the University and its Staff Pride Network.

Many thanks to the Staff Pride Network for organising this interdisciplinary event.  This raises awareness not only of how much has been achieved regarding LGBT+ rights over the past 50 years but also of how much more there is to do and how we might best tackle these challenges both within the University and in society more widely and globally.

Professor Sarah Cunningham-BurleyUniversity Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Related links

50 Years After Stonewall

The Staff Pride Network

Equality and Diversity at the University of Edinburgh