OXFORD Brookes University are set to mark its LGBTQ+ History Month 2019 with a series of open lectures and events.

Celebrations will include a special open lecture with Chancellor Dame Katherine Grainger in conversation with Susie Green, the Chief Executive of Mermaids.

Film screenings, special guest speakers, social events and an exhibition will also be happening during February, when the University will fly pride flags on its campuses and light up both its logo and areas of the Headington Campus in rainbow colours.

Anne-Marie Kilday, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Student and Staff Experience, said: “LGBTQ+ History Month provides a great opportunity for us to work together to highlight our support for students and staff who identify as LGBTQ+.

"It helps us raise awareness that rights and freedoms are hard-won, it enables allies and members of the community to connect and it makes our commitment to inclusion more visible.”

This year’s national theme, History: Peace, Activism and Reconciliation, honours the 50 year anniversary of the Stonewall Riots of 1969 in the US.

Susie Green, the Mermaids CEO who will speak next month, said: “Mermaids is committed to providing a safe place for people to explore and learn, with practical information and support, and a community to help combat the isolation that is so commonly experienced.”

The University says it has adopted the acronym LGBTQ+ to 'reflect inclusion of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning plus all other sexual orientations and non-conforming gender identities'.