What is LGBT+ History Month?
LGBT+ History Month is celebrated throughout the world, and in the UK is celebrated in February. In different countries it is hosted at different times, for example in the US it is marked in October.
SchoolsOUT UK is the founding organiser of LGBT+ History Month in the UK, and was first launched in February 2005 after the abolishment of Section 28 in 2003. LGBT+ History Month is intended to raise awareness of, and fight discrimination against those within the LGBTQ+ community, whilst also celebrating the progress made in terms of equality for LGBTQ+ people. SchoolsOUT UK set a national curriculum theme each year.
For 2023 the theme is “Behind the Lens”, celebrating and honouring LGBTQ+ peoples’ contribution to cinema and film from behind the lens. this includes: directors, cinematographers, screen writers, producers, animators, costume designers, special effects, make up artists, lighting directors, musicians, choreographers and beyond.
What are some examples of LGBT+ History?
Here is a brief overview of some of the key points in the fight for LGBT Rights in the UK:
- 1967 – The Sexual Offences Act decriminalises sex between two men over the age of 21
- 1972 – The first UK Pride march is held in London with approximately 2,000 attendees
- 1981 – The first UK case of AIDS was recorded, starting the beginning of the AIDS crisis which had a devastating impact on the LGBTQ+ community
- 1988 – Section 28 is introduced which bans the “promotion of homosexuality” within local institutions such as schools. This was later appealed in 2003
- 2000 – UK Government lifts ban of LGBT+ people serving in the armed forces
- 2004 – Gender Recognition Act is passed giving trans people the legal recognition of their appropriate gender
- 2010 – The Equality Act provides legal protection against discrimination for LGBT+ people
- 2013 – Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Act is passed providing LGBTQ+ people the chance to marry, with the first same-sex marriage taking place in March 2014.
To find out more about LGBT+ History, please click here.
How is the university marking LGBT+ History Month 2023?
The university's LGBT+ Staff Community have planned a host of events to celebrate and educate both students and staff this February. More information about upcoming events can be found below or on the LGBT+ Staff Community page.
How can I celebrate LGBT+ History Month personally?
One way you can celebrate LGBT+ History Month no matter where you are, is by using this teams background throughout February. You can find all of the LGBT+ History Month Microsoft Teams backgrounds here
