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://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.facinghistory.org/educator-resources/current-events/lgbtq-history-and-why-it-matters
