What is LGBT+ History Month?
February is a month-long annual celebration and remembrance of LGBT+ history. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on the history of LGBT+ rights and related civil rights movements. In the UK, it was initiated by “Schools Out UK” in 2005, and has been an annual event since then.
2023 marks 23 years since Section 28, the law that banned “promotion of homosexuality” in the UK, was repealed in Scotland. It was an attack on LGBTQ+ visibility, and together we resisted. With parts of our community still under attack, we must remember why we can’t go back, and must join together to keep moving forward.
What is the theme for LGBT+ History month 2023?:
This year the theme is “Behind the Lens”. It has been chosen to highlight all of the LGBT+ people who are essential in creating Film and TV and promote all of their fantastic work in the field, both past and present. The theme is also linked to how LGBT+ lives are shown in the media versus the actual lived experiences of the community.
Why does LGBT+ History Month exist?:
Sue Sanders and Paul Patrick are the co-founders of Schools Out UK, and they organised the event initially to educate younger people about the issues that people in the LGBT+ community face, and to move forward with making schools more inclusive for everyone regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Up to 200 events took place over the UK in 2005, which exceeded Sue and Paul’s expectation of 15-20 events. LGBT+ History month has taken place every year, every February since then.
Sue stated that we need this month for the LGBT+ community because,
“The ignorance is profound. And the ignorance has been deliberately done. We [the LGBT+ community] have a history, but we have been denied it. It’s great we have the laws in place, it’s great that we’re more visible, but who is visible? It’s white gay men. If you’re black, if you’re a lesbian, if you’re bisexual or if you’re trans – we have a lot of work to do.”
What is the difference between LGBT+ History Month and Pride Month?:
Pride month occurs in June every year, and is when outdoor Pride parades that celebrate LGBT+ acceptance and pride take place. These events can also serve as protests for legal rights such as marriage equality.
LGBT+ History month is an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on LGBT+ History. It gives the chance to look at what hasn’t changed and what we can do to keep moving forward for an inclusive future.
Useful LGBT+ resources:
- We have our LGBT+ society at EC Students Association that you can join on our Discord server!
- LGBT History Month Scotland: Website Facebook
- LGBT Youth Scotland: Website Facebook
- In 2021, Scotland became the first country in the world to officially add LGBT+ history to the school curriculum letting children see historical figures that they can now identify with. Check out Time for Inclusive Education for more information on their successful campaigns and work to tackle prejudice with an educational approach.
- Schools Out UK have a fantastic list of resources, especially highlighting LGBT+ Film, Video and Television examples. https://lgbtplushistorymonth.co.uk/resources/
LGBT+ History Month News:
Queer Quiz Night
LGBT+ History Stall: Granton 27th Feb
