The University of Montpellier is organizing a week to combat LGBT+ phobias.
From November 14 to 18, 2022, the University of Montpellier is organizing a week of action against LGBT+ phobias, featuring a round table discussion and a documentary film on the theme of LGBT+ inclusion in all aspects of university life. This is part of a strong and long-standing commitment that is part of an active policy to combat all forms of discrimination implemented by the UM.
The LGBT+ Commitment Charter for Higher Education from the association L’Autre Cercle was officially launched on October 13, 2022, at the University of Montpellier.
In 2016, the University of Montpellier was the first higher education institution to sign the charter of the national association L'Autre Cercle, marking its commitment to the inclusion of LGBT+ staff within its ranks. On October 13, the UM renewed this commitment by signing a new version of the charter, which now includes students.
Through this charter, the University of Montpellier has committed to:
- the creation of an inclusive work and study environment;
- ensure equal rights and treatment regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity;
- support victims of discriminatory remarks or acts;
- measure progress and share best practices to improve the professional environment and academic framework in higher education.
Even today, living comfortably with one's sexual orientation or gender identity may not be a given, as confirmed by several recent surveys. For higher education staff, the initial results of the ACADISCRI study conducted at two French universities in 2018 indicate that being a man who does not conform to norms of masculinity, or being LGBT, are among the most frequently perceived reasons for microaggressions. Furthermore, the Student Life Observatory reports that sexual orientation was still cited as a factor of stigmatization in 2020.
This week of action against LGBT+ phobias promises to be a highlight of the academic year, during which a series of initiatives will be supported to promote a supportive and inclusive working and learning environment where everyone feels free to be themselves.
The agenda for "LGBT+ Phobia Awareness Week"
This week will begin on November 14 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. with a round table discussion entitled: "How can non-LGBT+ people get involved in the fight against LGBT+ phobias? It will be held at the Françoise Barré-Sinoussi Student Center (Triolet) in the presence of Philippe Augé, president of the University of Montpellier. Flora Bolter, co-director of the Jean Jaurès Foundation's LGBTI+ Observatory, political scientist, and LGBTI activist, and Julie Boiché, vice president of social responsibility at the University of Montpellier, will be the speakers at this roundtable discussion. The discussion will be based on a video of a vox pop conducted at the end of September with students from four campuses of the University of Montpellier.
The week will continue on November 16 at 7 p.m. with the screening of the documentary film "La première marche" (The First Step) by Hakim Atoui & Baptiste Etchegaray at the Aimé Schoenig Student Union on the Richter Campus. This documentary film will also be screened in Carcassonne, in the Faculty of Education's auditorium at 12:45 p.m.
On June 9, 2019, four students led the first Pride march in the suburbs of Saint-Denis. Fifty years after Stonewall, they brought the LGBT struggle to a place where no one would have imagined it. A thrilling immersion among the organizers of Pride, suburbanites and proud. The issues of intersectionality and inclusivity in the struggle are clearly laid out. The young activists overflow with infectious energy in a documentary full of humor and commitment, which inspires a desire for unity in the face of oppression."
Practical information:
Date: November 14–18, 2022
Location: University of Montpellier
See the program for LGBT+ Phobia Awareness Week