Beyond the Binary, Innovation without Limits
A showcase of work, which celebrates the contributions of LGBTQ+ students and staff.
About the exhibition
This exhibition marks the second annual LGBTQ+ exhibition at Loughborough University, building on a growing commitment to celebrating queer creativity, visibility, and community across our campus. Responding to this year’s LGBTQ+ History Month theme of ‘Science and Innovation’, the exhibition embraces the theme as a point of departure rather than a limitation, inviting work that reflects innovation in its broadest sense, from ideas and identities to processes, practices, and ways of being.
At its core, the exhibition continues to centre marginalised voices, celebrating the contributions of LGBTQ+ students and staff and creating space for work that might not always be visible within traditional academic or creative settings. It reflects the University’s values of inclusion and belonging, actively supporting an environment in which everybody can live as their true and authentic self. Sitting alongside the anti-discriminatory principles embedded across university life, the exhibition stands as both a celebration and a statement: that queer voices matter, and that creativity and knowledge flourish most powerfully when diversity is embraced.
This exhibition is not only a showcase, but a shared space for connection. Throughout LGBTQ+ History Month, it will serve as a hub for community engagement, welcoming allies, friends, and colleagues to come together, learn, listen, and participate. Alongside the works on display, the exhibition will host workshops, talks, and guest lectures, offering opportunities to engage more deeply with LGBTQ+ experiences, creativity, and innovation across disciplines.
Above all, this exhibition is a celebration: of collaboration between students and staff, of joy and resistance, and of the power of coming together as a community, not only to reflect, but to connect, support one another, and have fun.
This exhibition is made possible through the generous support of EDI Services, the School of Design and Creative Arts, and LU Arts.
Extra opening hours
In addition to the regular lunchtime opening hours (12-2pm weekdays), the exhibition will be open on the following dates and times.
- Tues 10 February, launch event, time TBC
- Tues 24 February, 6-7.30pm, prior to evening performance of The BBC's First Homosexual
- Wed 25 February, 4-5pm, post matinee performance of The BBC's First Homosexual
- Fri 13 March, 6-9pm as part of Lboro Lates
Accessibility
There is step-free access into the gallery via a ramp and side door, which the exhibition invigilator can open for you. If you require the invigilator’s assistance, then please alert them on arrival by calling to them or waving at them – the entrance to the gallery is fully glazed and the main entrance door should be open to make this possible.
For more information about the venue, including photographs, view the access guide for Martin Hall on AccessAble.
If you have any specific access requirements, then please contact LUArts@lboro.ac.uk in advance of your visit and we will do our best to accommodate them.
Facilities
There are toilets located on the ground floor of Martin Hall including an accessible toilet. There is step-free access into this building.
Martin Hall Cafe serves light refreshments and is open from 8.30am to 5pm Mon-Fri. It is located behind the gallery, accessed through the main entrance to Martin Hall.
Parking
Please note that visitors are now required to register their vehicle and pay to park on campus. There are various ways in which you can register and pay (both in advance and on arrival).