Loughborough University shows visible allyship to LGBT+ community across its East Midlands campus

Photo of the Progress Pride installation painting on the road, with the Hazlerigg Building and lawn in the background

In recent weeks, the University campus has seen the addition of multiple rainbow flags across its site, including a brand-new colourful installation on the road between the Hazlerigg-Rutland Lawn and Loughborough Students’ Union.

From lamp post banners profiling our brilliant LGBT+ students, to flags proudly flying in the wind and our 7.5m x 3.7m painted installation on the ground, the flag symbolises and celebrates the diversity of the LGBT+ community and holds a stance for a more inclusive society.

The Progress Pride flag is a development of the original Pride flag which featured the colours of the rainbow as a symbol of hope. In 2018, it was redesigned by artist Daniel Quasar and then again in 2021 by Valentino Vecchietti to be inclusive of and celebrate a range of communities.

The increased visibility across the East Midlands campus was initiated as part of Loughborough’s celebrations for LGBT+ History Month this February.

Charlie Wheeldon, Co-Projects Lead for the LGBT+ Staff Network commented: “Our new installation and flags send such a valuable and important message of acceptance, inclusion and support for all students and colleagues at Loughborough. We are delighted to work for a University that understands the crucial significance of visible signs of support, allyship and celebration for the LGBT+ community.”

Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Jennings said: "All members of the University should feel equally welcome and included. This is one small way in which we can do this."

On Monday 21 February, the LGBT+ Staff Network will be hosting an event from 5.30pm which all staff and students are invited to join. This event – which will light up the Hazlerigg Building in rainbow colours - will feature speeches from the Chairs of the LGBT+ Staff Network and LGBT+ Student Association, as well as the Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Jennings. Hot drinks and refreshments will be available on the evening.

How to be a better ally

If you would like to find out more about how you can be an ally, here are some useful resources:

As part of LGBT+ History Month, the University is holding a series of events throughout the month. More information can be found on the dedicated webpage here