This month marks the 19th LGBT+ History Month in the United Kingdom. LGBT+ History Month is an annual observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender history, as well as the history of the gay rights movement. It was founded in February 2005 by the co-chairs of the Schools OUT UK charity, Sue Sanders and Paul Patrick, in order to honour the abolition of Section 28 in 2003. This prohibited the promotion of homosexuality. Introduced by Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government in 1988, this oppressive series of laws resulted in many LGBT+ organisations effectively being forced to limit their activities or self-censor.
Throughout history, and even now, LGBT+ individuals have suffered a great deal as a result of prejudice. LGBT+ History Month is all about raising awareness of the achievements of the LGBT+ community. It seeks to combat prejudice. It is likewise about promoting the welfare of the LGBT+ community and ensuring that they are recognised in both the school curriculum and the wider community.
The motto of LGBT+ History Month is “Claiming our past. Celebrating our present. Creating our future”. The Schools OUT UK motto is “Educate OUT Prejudice”. These groupings emphasise the efficacy of education as a means of making educational and other institutions safe places for all LGBT+ individuals. So as to claim their past throughout the month, they therefore promote prominent LGBT+ figures who have been sidelined or forgotten in mainstream history.
The theme for LGBT+ History Month 2024 is "Medicine #UnderTheScope". This provides a fantastic opportunity to explore and to celebrate the work of LGBT+ people who have made significant contributions to the field of medicine.
LGBT+ History Month is important, not just in terms of educating young people, but also yourself and the wider community as to how to combat the prejudices that the LGBT+ community have faced throughout history and, sadly, continue to face.