Northumbria University Spring Symposium

On behalf of Northumbria University’s LGBTQ+ Equality Forum, we are delighted to invite you to our Spring Symposium, Adversity to Action: Overcoming Adversity and Building Resilience, taking place on Tuesday 26 May 2026 (10:00–14:00) at the Sutherland Building, Northumbria University.

At a time when many members of the LGBTQ+ community are experiencing heightened vulnerability amid shifting political and social climates, there is a shared responsibility across sectors to create spaces that amplify lived experience, reduce isolation, and demonstrate a visible and sustained commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

This half-day symposium will bring together colleagues from higher education, public sector organisations, and community partners across the North-East of England. Together, we will explore how lived experiences of institutional adversity can inform and inspire meaningful, sustained action to advance LGBTQ+ inclusion.

The programme will feature the powerful lived experiences of two distinguished LGBTQ+ military veterans, Caroline Paige MBE and Craig Jones MBE. Both were directly impacted by the UK Armed Forces’ ban on LGBTQ+ personnel (in place until 2000) and have since become leading advocates for change. As co-founders of the charity Fighting With Pride, they have played a pivotal role in advancing inclusion and justice for LGBTQ+ service personnel and veterans. In July 2025, they were awarded honorary degrees in recognition of their impactful work and their research collaboration with Northumbria University.

Info: Speakers & Impact – Lived Experience - Craig Jones MBE and Caroline Paige MBE
Former UK Armed Forces personnel affected by the pre-2000 LGBTQ+ ban
Co-founders of Fighting With Pride
Leading voices in advocacy for LGBTQ+ veterans and service personnel
Recognition & Collaboration
Awarded honorary degrees (July 2025)
Ongoing research collaboration with Northumbria University

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Host or Publisher Northumbria University