To celebrate LGBT STEM Day, the International Day of LGBTQ+ People in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths, the School of Life Sciences is arranging an afternoon meet-up.

The STEM Schools at Sussex – Life Sciences, Engineering and Informatics, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, Psychology and the Brighton and Sussex Medical School – have provided funding for activities that promote and support LGBT+ people in STEM.

The meet up, held 5 July 2:30 to 3:30pm in the Meeting House, will be an opportunity to share ideas for such activities and plan initiatives for the funding. Drinks and snacks will be provided.

LGBT STEM Day, now in its second year, was set up by Pride in STEM to recognise, raise awareness and increase support of LGBTQ+ people in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

The meet up is also an opportunity to discuss plans for Brighton and Hove Pride. The Schools are currently looking for people willing to run STEM-based activities on both Saturday 3^rd and Sunday 4^th August. The stand will be part of the Community Village in Preston Park.

Katy Petherick, Public Engagement Coordinator for the School of Life Sciences, said: “It is fantastic to see the STEMM Schools from across the University come together to celebrate LGBT+ scientists. We know how important it is to have visible role models and so we hope that by going to Pride with LGBT+ scientists we will spark LGBT+ peoples’ interest in science, and show that it is as relevant for them as anyone else.”

At the LGBT STEM Day meet-up, you will be able to sign up to volunteer for Pride, or you can do so by contacting Katy Petherick (k.petherick@sussex.ac.uk).

To find out about Sussex scientists’ involvement in Pride 2018, visit the website.

There is also still time to join the University of Sussex parade group, and you can sign-up here.

This year's parade theme is ‘Generations of Love –Celebrating 50 years of campaigning with Pride.’