The University of Montpellier is organizing a week-long campaign against LGBT+ phobia

[Press Release] - Published on November 12, 2024 in Press Room, Environmental Issues and Social Responsibility

From November 18 to 22, 2024, the University of Montpellier is hosting a week of activism on the theme “LGBT+phobia: Decoding Prejudice.” The program includes a lecture on the roots of hatred toward LGBT+ people, followed by a rap session with the artist Maras, a screening of a documentary film and the opening of an exhibition featuring the LGBT+ glossary. Once again this year, UM reaffirms its strong and long-standing commitment as part of an active policy to combat all forms of discrimination.

The University of Montpellier’s Commitment to LGBT+ Issues

As the first French university to sign the commitment charter of the association L’Autre Cercle in 2016—a commitment renewed in 2022 with the signing of a new version that includes both female and male students—UM is committed to:

• create an inclusive work and study environment;
• ensure equality in 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 openly with one’s sexual orientation or gender identity is not always a given, as several recent surveys confirm. For higher education staff, the initial findings 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 reasons most frequently cited as triggers for microaggressions. Furthermore, the Student Life Observatory reports that, in 2020, sexual orientation was still cited as a factor contributing to stigmatization.

This week dedicated to combating LGBT+ phobia promises to be a highlight of the academic year, during which a range of initiatives will be supported to foster a caring and inclusive work and study environment where everyone feels free to be themselves.

The schedule for “LGBT+ Phobia Awareness Week” 

This week kicks off on November 18 from 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. with “ ” a lecture on understanding LGBT+ prejudices presented by Christelle Fraïssé, associate professor of social psychology. It will take place at the François Barré-Sinoussi Student Center in Triolet, with Philippe Augé, president of the University of Montpellier, in attendance.  This lecture will be followed by an impromptu rap summary, followed by a rap and beatbox concert featuring Maras, a rapper and slam poet, 2016 World Freestyle Rap Vice-Champion, and 2014 French Slam Champion. This event is reserved for students and staff of the University of Montpellier.

On November 19 at 1:00 p.m. at the (S)pace on the Triolet campus, the opening reception for the exhibition “Des images pour ainsi dire” will take place, featuring twenty-six original works by visual artist Nathalie Trovato, as well as by UM students and staff who have been introduced to the art of paper cutting. A true ode to otherness, this exhibition takes the form of a joyful and captivating alphabet book in which each letter illustrates, through shapes and colors, the LGBT+ lexicon. This event is reserved for UM students and staff.

On November 20 at 7 p.m., Michel Océan’s documentary film “Océan” will be screened at the Aimé Schoenig Student Center on the Richter campus. “Océan” is an intimate self-portrait of a trans man whom people previously knew as the artist Océanerosemarie, a comedian and true lesbian icon since her first show, “La lesbienne invisible.” This event is open to the public ; register by clicking here.

“Finally ready to face society’s gaze, Océan decides to come out, transition, and embrace who he truly is: a trans man. He fears the judgment of others, losing touch with his loved ones, and seeing his status as an artist change—yet he is also eager and excited to embark on this life-changing journey. How will Océan navigate all the physical, psychological, and emotional stages during this ‘female-to-male’ transition? ”

UM Signaling Device

To combat all forms of discrimination and violence, the University of Marseille has established an internal support system that relies on designated contact persons and a support team composed of a network of counselors. This system is available to the entire university community—whether as victims or witnesses of acts of violence, discrimination, psychological or sexual harassment, or sexist behavior.