LGBTQ+ History Month takes place throughout February each year.
What is LGBTQ+ History Month?
LGBTQ+ History Month is a month-long observance to raise awareness, to celebrate and to commemorate LGBTQIA+ history. This includes a range of histories and experiences from lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual and agender people.
The month explores LGBTQ+ history, civil rights movements and experiences. It aims to proudly support equality and diversity and increase the visibility, awareness and welfare of the LGBTQ+ communities.
Why is it in February?
LGBTQ+ History Month is celebrated in February because it coincides with the 2003 abolition of Section 28.
Section 28 was a piece of legislation under the Local Government Act 1988. It banned local authorities from ‘promoting’ homosexuality. Moreover, it banned local authorities from promoting the ‘acceptability of homosexuality’ in its schools or other areas under their control.
The origins of LGBTQ+ History Month in the UK
In the UK the first LGBT+ History Month took place in 2005. Schools OUT UK, a registered charity, initiated it.
Why is LGBTQ+ History Month Important?
Everyone needs to see themselves reflected in history, the LGBTQ+ is no different. The annual month-long celebration is integral for promoting the welfare, diversity and visibility of LGBTQ+ communities and raising awareness.
Furthermore, it fights prejudice through education by highlighting the histories of the communities and the fight for LGBTQ+ Civil Rights. It encourages people both within and outside of LGBTQ+ communities to learn more.
Get Involved:
The official page for LGBTQ+ History Month has a number of downloadable educational and engaging recourses. In addition, there is also a range of videos, lesson plans, curriculum posters and more.
The organisation also provides a presentation service, work on their own research papers and have amassed a wealth of information on LGBTQ+ charities, inclusive reading, radio, film and tv, and historical resources. The resources are suitable for a range of people from Classrooms and educators to Parents and students.
The official LGBT+ History Month page has a calendar of online events throughout February and beyond.
If you’re a student, the University of Huddersfield has a LGBTQ+ Society. You can enjoy social events as well as campaigning, fundraising and raising awareness.
Furthermore, throughout February the University’s Student’s Union is hosting regular LGBT+ Network online meetups. For example, the SU are also holding a ‘Being a LGBT+ Ally Workshop’ on 25 February among other online events such as quizzes, watch parties and a history talk on Huddersfield’s Gemini Club
Additionally, West Yorkshire Queer Stories is a project which gathered oral histories and objects from the LGBTIQ+ community from 2018 to 2020. You can find a range of resources, LGBTIQ+ stories, short films, blog and podcast on their website.
Representation is Key
Representation is crucial both in history but also in entertainment, media and everything people engage within day to day life.
For example, Channel 4’s new drama, It’s A Sin, tackles how AIDs was stigmatised, misunderstood and experienced through the 1980s. The mini-series has been a huge success. It has become All 4’s most popular launched series on record.
Lastly, Huddersfield’s own Lawrence Batley Theatre is centring LGBT+ stories and characters on the stage throughout February. LBT online performances include ‘The York Realist’ ‘My Night With Reg’ and Guy: A New Musical.