From famous activists to talented artists 🏳️‍🌈

June is here, which means it's time to celebrate Pride – and those who have made our cities richer, bolder and more inclusive! So we're spotlighting just a few LGBTQ+ icons who've left their mark on cities across the UK right where you study.

London: Virginia Woolf 📚

Known for her literature, Virginia was one of the most influential 20th-century modernist writers whose legacy lives on in libraries, lecture and halls and feminist texts around the world. Her relationship with fellow writer Vita Sackville-West remains a powerful symbol of queer love during that time. 

Manchester: Alan Turing 🧑‍💻

Without Turing, your phone might not exist. Although he cracked the Enigma code in the Second World War, saving millions of lives, Turing was still criminalised for his sexuality. 

Today, his statue sits in Manchester's Sackville Gardens as a powerful reminder of both his brilliance the injustices he faced. 

Bradford: Anne Lister ✍️

Born only 10 minutes away from Bradford, Anne Lister is now often referred to as 'the first modern lesbian'. A 19th-century landowner and diarist, she made a code to record her thoughts on her feelings and relationships with women without fear of discovery.

Her masculine appearance and sometime eccentric behaviour earned her the nickname of "Gentleman Jack". 

Preston: Sir Ian McKellan 🎭

Whether he's Gandalf, Magneto or passionately advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, Sir Ian is a legend. For decades he has used his fame to support the queer community, co-founding Stonewall UK and often returning to speak at universities and Pride events. 

Salford: Aderonke Apata 💪

Speaking about forces of good, Aderonke is a barrister and human rights campaigner who fought tirelessly for asylum rights for LGBTQ+ people and is the founder of the African Rainbow Society.

After fleeing Nigeria in 2004 after being sentenced to death for being a lesbian, her story is one of resilience, activism and the importance of safe spaces for everyone. 

Liverpool: Paul O'Grady (aka. Lily Savage) 👑

Not just a comedian and broadcaster, Paul also had a drag persona known as Lily Savage! He helped bring LGBTQ+ visibility to British TV screens in the 90s and beyond, breaking barriers while making us laugh and smile. 

Dundee: Ellie Diamond 💎

Speaking of drag queens, a rising star of the UK drag scene, Ellie Diamond competed on the iconic 'RuPaul's Drag Race UK' show. She has become a role model for many young queer students, not to mention her fierce love for her Scottish roots!

Glasgow: Gray Crosbie 🎤

This queer poet and performer uses their voice to explore identity, mental health and the everyday experiences of LGBTQ+ people in Scotland. He's a regular on the spoken word scene, continuing to spread essential messages. 

Falmouth: Pete Jordi Wood 🧚‍♂️

Part of Falmouth University's researcher community, Pete is an author, illustrator and screenwriter who champions queer stories to make sure young queer people can see themselves in the stories they grow up with, shifting the narrative and broadening representation. 

One of his major works includes 'Tales From Beyond the Rainbow: Ten LGBTQ+ Fairy Tales Proudly Reclaimed', and now describes himself as a 'fairy tale detective'. 

Brighton: George Montague 🏳️‍🌈

Known as 'The Oldest Gay in the Village', George was a joyful activist and Pride regular who campaigned for LGBTQ+ rights well into his 90s. He's proof that it's never too late to live loud and proud! 

These icons helped shape their cities and the world! So take a walk through your campus with pride this month and make a difference by supporting your community, whether that's by attending a Pride event near you or simply being a good ally. 

Happy Pride! 🌈