Broadcast: News items
LGBTQ+ days of significance in April
Posted on behalf of: EDI Unit
Last updated: Wednesday, 15 April 2026
LGBTQ+ flags strung between trees
Two LGBTQ+ periods of significance are marked in April: International Asexuality Day on 6 April and Lesbian Visibility Week from 20-26 April.
International Asexuality Day was founded in 2010 and takes place annually on 6 April to raise awareness of asexuality.
Fray McNulty, an asexual member of staff at Sussex, said: “Asexuality is a spectrum and people can be ace and romantically attracted to different genders. It’s just there is no sexual attraction - that also doesn't mean every ace person doesn't have sex. Which is a common misconception.
“It’s quite fascinating when you dive into the ace spectrum - my journey is relatively recent having not known it was a thing until my 30s!”
Lesbian Visibility Day on 26 April is preceded by Lesbian Visibility Week (LVW), an annual awareness event celebrating lesbian women and non-binary people.
The theme for 2026 is “Health and Wellbeing”, amplifying the need to protect health and wellbeing in the LGBTQIA+ community.
LVW was originally celebrated in California in the early 1990s, coordinated by the West Hollywood Lesbian Visibility Committee and the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Centre. A new LVW was founded in 2020 by Linda Riley as a way to celebrate lesbian visibility and community, as well as to raise awareness of the ongoing need for lesbian spaces and expression.
Keira Thomas, co-chair of the LGBTQ+ Staff Network, said: “Being a lesbian, I feel so proud and part of something special and sacred. All lesbian experiences and journeys vary—I enjoy hearing about learning from the fellow lesbians who I connect with. My advice: there is no time limit or demand for permanency—do what feels right for you.”
Events at Sussex
Sunday 24 May, 2pm-4pm
Join zine-makers and archivists Aghh Zine and Erin James for a dynamic and hands-on workshop that brings grassroots creativity into conversation with an archive.
With support from Danny Millum of Sussex Library and Sussex University researcher Dr Sam Solomon, this session invites you to reimagine who gets to record history—and why it’s important we do it together, within community.
Support for staff and students
For staff
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Staff members who identify as LGBTQ+ can join our LGBTQ+ Staff Network by contacting lgbt-staff@sussex.ac.uk. The LGBTQ+ Staff Network arranges events and activities through the year. The LGBTQ+ Staff Network is fully open to and inclusive of asexual and aromantic members.
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The University of Sussex is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for every member of its community. If you or someone else has experienced behaviours such as bullying, harassment, a hate incident, sexual violence, domestic abuse or discrimination, you can let us know using Report and Support.
For students
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Students who identify as LGBTQ+ can join the Students’ Union’s LGBTQ+ Society and contact the Students’ Union officers for support or information.
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Students can also find a number of resources and support at the Student Centre and on the Sexuality and Gender Support and Information web pages.