LGBT History Month has begun and, up and down the country, LGBTQ+ people and allies are coming together under the rainbow flag.
In November 2018, a survey of 5,000 LGBTQ+ people by charity Stonewall found that more than half suffer depression and one in eight 18 and 24-years-old have tried to take their own life in the past year – though for those who identify as trans, this statistic sharply increases.
Though there's little doubt much has improved for the LGBTQ+ community over the past few decades, there's still a long way to go until the entire queer community is accepted as equal. This month is a time to look back at the moments that shaped the community today and see where improvments must still be made.
What is LGBT History Month and who started it?
LGBT History Month is a month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer history, as well as a means of raising awareness for the issues faced by LGBTQ+ people. This year’s theme is Peace, Activism and Reconciliation.
The month was originally started in the US in 1994 to coincide with National Coming Out Day. It was taken up in the UK in 2005 by teachers Sue Sanders and Paul Patrick as part of the Schools OUT UK project, which educates young people on issues faced by queer communities.
Its primary focus is teaching young people about the gay rights movement and working to put a stop to homophobia, biphobia and transphobia, though the remit has increased in reach over the years.
When is LGBT History Month taking place?
The month of February has been dedicated to LGBT History Month in the UK since it began in 2005, despite the celebration taking place in October in the US.
February was chosen to coincide with the abolition of Section 28, which formerly stated that local authorities weren’t allowed to “intentionally promote homosexuality”.
How is the UK observing LGBT History Month?
More than 1,500 events are taking place across the country throughout February and March, which you can find here. There are talks and discussions from prominent figures, as well as queer tours around the city and access to London’s archive material on LGBTQ+ history.
What LGBTQ+ events are happening in London?
If you’re looking for queer events of all kinds, you can read our monthly guide of what to get up to, from theatre to film and nights out to fundraisers.
