The University of Montpellier is organizing a week to combat LGBT+ phobias.

[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 organizing a week of activism on the theme of "LGBT+phobias: deciphering prejudice." The program includes a conference on the roots of hatred toward LGBT+ people, followed by a rap session with the artist Maras, the screening of a documentary film and the opening of an exhibition featuring the LGBT+ lexicon. Once again this year, UM is reaffirming 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 charter of commitment of the association L'Autre Cercle in 2016, a commitment renewed in 2022 by signing a new version that takes into account both male and female students, UM takes care to:

• create 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 in 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 "Week Against LBT+ Phobias" 

This week will begin on November 18 from 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. with , a lecture on deciphering LGBT+ prejudices presented by Christelle Fraïssé, lecturer in social psychology. It will be held at the François Barré-Sinoussi Student Center in Triolet in the presence of Philippe Augé, president of the University of Montpellier.  The lecture will be followed by an improvised rap summary, followed by a rap and beatbox concert with Maras, rapper and slam poet, vice-world champion in freestyle rap (2016) and French slam champion (2014). This event is reserved for UM students and staff.

On November 19, starting at 1 p.m. at the (S)pace on the Triolet campus, there will be an opening reception for the exhibition "Des images pour ainsi dire" (Images, so to speak), featuring twenty-six original creations by visual artist Nathalie Trovato and 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 the LGBT+ lexicon with shapes and colors. 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 transgender man who was previously known as the artist Océanerosemarie, a comedian and true lesbian icon since his first show, "La lesbienne invisible" (The Invisible Lesbian). This event is open to the public upon registration by clicking here.

Finally ready to face society's gaze, Océan decides to come out, change gender, and assert himself as he is: a trans man. Afraid of how others will view him, of distancing himself from his loved ones, of seeing his status as an artist change, but also very eager and happy to live this immense experience. How will Océan navigate all the physical, psychological, and emotional stages of this transition from woman to man?"

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To combat all forms of discrimination and violence, UM has set up an internal system based on designated contact persons and a support unit comprising a network of support workers. This system is available to the entire university community, whether victims or witnesses of acts of violence, discrimination, psychological or sexual harassment, or sexist behavior.