THE Multicoloured Dragon conference is set to kickstart Bangor Pride month on February 3.

Organised by Bangor University, in accordance with the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, the event will discuss aspects of the LGBTQ+ community in contemporary Wales and its representation in Welsh culture.

The conference takes place in a year in which the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol will celebrate its 10th anniversary, having also recently appointed a diversity, equality and anti-racism co-ordinator, in a new role for the college.

This is aimed at involving the LBGTQ+ community Welsh language and bilingual education.

The conference will feature contributions from scholars from different fields, in order to discuss and recognise the impact the community has had on Welsh life.

Guest speakers at the event include:

• Iestyn Wyn from Stonewall Cymru (presenting ‘Stonewall Cymru: The Road to Equality’)

• Norena Shopland (an independent historian presenting ‘LQBTQ+ History Training, and Why We Need It')

• Dr Rhian Hodges of Bangor University ('The LGBT + Community, Sociology and Contemporary Wales'

• Dr Siwan M. Rosser of Cardiff University ('The Colorful Lives of our Children's Books')

• Dr Gareth Llŷr Evans of Aberystwyth University ('Aled Jones Williams Theater and the Quiar Craft of Failure').

Dr Gareth Evans-Jones, a lecturer in religion and history at Bangor University and organiser of the event, said: "The idea that the experiences of LGBTQ+ people are hidden in the history of Wales and the Welsh language is commonplace, but the Multicoloured Dragon conference seeks to remedy that.

“Without diminishing the experience of victimisation that many have suffered, we can acknowledge and even celebrate the contribution and diversity of those people to Welsh life, its literature, its culture, and its history.

“And that is what it is like to hold such a conference - remembering the past, recognizing the present, and celebrating the colourful future that Wales will be part of.”

Those wishing to attend the conference may register on the Resource Portal website.