What is LGBT+ History Month?
February marks the annual month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender history as well as the exploration of their rights and associated civil rights movements. LGBT History Month has been an annual event in the UK since it was first coined in 2005 by Schools Out UK, it emerged in the wake of the abolition of Section 28 in the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003. This stated that authorities ‘shall not intentionally promote homosexuality or publish material to promote homosexuality". Since 2011 there has been a specific link between the month and a subject in the National Curriculum- this year it is art, more specifically “Politics in Art- the Arch is Long". The key aim of this month is to, in recognition of the past, promote a society in which equality and diversity are paramount. This can be achieved through raising awareness of the LGBTQ+ community in educational spaces such as schools and universities, businesses, media, and more broadly in communities. The launch of the month took place online in association with The National Gallery.
50 Years of Pride in the UK
Additionally, the United Kingdom, as part of this month has specially marked 50 years since its’ first Pride March in 1972. As well as looking back on the challenges and victories these communities have experienced, LGBTQ+ centered non-profits such as Stonewall, challenge us this month to ask what kind of world we want to see for LGBTQ+ people in 50 years. This remains a key challenge within the UK, which has been identified by the Council of Europe as one of many countries where rising anti-LGTBQ+ hate is of increasing concern. Similarly Stonewall tweeted “What kind of world do we want to see for LGBT+ people in 2072? In the UK and around the world, LGBT+ people are still being abused, thrown out of their homes, bullied in schools and workplaces".
What does LGBT(+)QIA stand for?
LGBTQIA stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex and Asexual.
Questioning can be defined as someone who is questioning their sexual orientation and/or their gender identity. However, people also use the ‘Q’ to stand for the umbrella term of ‘Queer’, which many people use as a general term for their identity or sexuality instead of a more defined label. Intersex is people who naturally have biological traits which do not match what is typically identified as male or female and asexual is defined as an umbrella term used for individuals who do not experience or experience a low level, of sexual desire. The ‘+’ is also an important addition that occurred in 2021 to the title of ‘LGBTQ+ History Month’ to show its inclusivity to the rest of the community that may not be included within the traditional LGBT.
How has the UK celebrated LGBTQ+ History Month?
Up and down the country there has been a wide range of events organized by groups and individuals to mark the month. This is in addition to schools providing education around LBGTQ+ history and relevant civil rights movements. Along with the theme, many events have been focused on art and the arts. To name a few there has been- free online talks and seminars, a free LGBTQ+ history tour of London, queer poetry readings, crafting events, and many exhibitions of LGBTQ+ artists in major galleries such as the Manchester Art Gallery. Additionally, many organizations, like ours, have recognized the month and spread awareness, and shared posts all about the month.
How can you get involved?
"Over the last 17 years, LGBT+ History Month has grown to become one of the highlights of the year and something we always look forward to celebrating," Emma Meehan, assistant director of public affairs at national charity LGBT Foundation, told The Independent at the beginning of the month . "The fact that so many people nationwide take part shows just how vital it is.
However, recognizing and celebrating the LGBTQ+ history does not need to be confined to just the month of February. Nonprofits such as The Proud Trust, Stonewall, and LGBTQ+ History Month have a range of year-round resources to explore the complexities of equality, diversity, and inclusion regarding gender and sexuality. These are available for students, educators, and workplaces.
To find out more see the resources below:
https://lgbtplushistorymonth.co.uk/resources/
https://www.stonewall.org.uk/best-practice-toolkits-and-resources-0
https://www.stonewall.org.uk/category/education-resources
https://www.stonewall.org.uk/category/workplace-resources
https://www.theproudtrust.org/trusted-adults/training-resources-and-education/
https://www.facinghistory.org/educator-resources/current-events/lgbtq-history-and-why-it-matters
