LGBT+ History Month in the Workplace

What is LGBT+ History Month?

It is a month-long annual celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans, and non-binary (LGBT+) history. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the history of LGBT+ rights and related civil rights movements.

Why it’s important to learn about LGBTQ+ and LGBT+ history Month?

Many people identify as LGBTQ+, and it is important that they are supported and treated fairly wherever they go.

Everyone can benefit from learning more about LGBTQ+ topics and . Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community who wants to learn more about how history was made when it came to gaining rights, or you want to become an ally and support the community, we can help.

As leaders and managers, it is your responsibility to ensure that everyone in your workplace feels supported and has a safe space to work in every day. Inclusive Employers help you educate employees, management, and yourself about the LGBTQ+ community and how to help them celebrate their identity and feelings.

The world is changing every day, and people are becoming more comfortable with their sexuality and identities. Everyone else in the world must be ready to accept, support, and understand others.

What should businesses be doing for LGBT+ History Month?  

There are many LGBT+ History Month ideas to help businesses celebrate and support LGBT+ (LGBTQ+) colleagues during this event. Businesses can:

• Take action to make workplaces a safe space for LGBT+ colleagues and customers e.g., review your policies and protections for LGBT+ staff.   
• Host webinars to raise awareness about LGBT+ topics and matters that affect the LGBT+ community. 
• Promote the visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people within the organisation by inviting these colleagues to share their experiences at meetings, events or webinars.    
• Share LGBT+ resources with your colleagues to deepen their understanding of what it means to be LGBT+ and how this may impact their working lives. Inclusive Employers have resources like this that can be accessed in the member’s area for free. 
• Communicate with their Marketing and Comms team to plan how the organisation will promote LGBT+ History Month in an inclusive manner. Inclusive Employers members can refer to our Inclusive Communications guide for more guidance.

How can businesses plan for LGBT+ History Month?

To plan for LGBT+ History Month, organisations can:

• Invite LGBT+ colleagues, including any LGBT+ networks, to discuss the event and share any objectives that could be achieved through the campaign.
• Prepare a project plan and assign tasks to members of your team to help promote awareness of LGBT+ History Month.
• Request a copy of our LGBT+ History Month resource for tips on what they may need to consider in their plans. Inclusive Employers members receive this resource for free as part of their membership. 
• Inclusive Employers members can contact their account manager for more support and guidance.  

If you need support for LGBT+ History Month 2023, contact us today.