LGBT+ History Month

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.

When is LGBT+ History Month 2024?

LGBT+ History Month takes place from the 1st to the 28th of February 2024.

LGBT+ History Month takes place in February because that was when it was initiated by the LGBT+ Education charity ‘Schools Out UK’ in 2005.

Schools Out UK did this to coincide with the 2003 abolition of Section 28, a law which was passed in 1988 to stop councils and schools from “promoting the teaching of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship.”

The law was partly inspired by a 1983 storybook called ‘Jenny Lives with Eric and Martin’, which aimed to give children information about different types of family relationships.

What is the theme for LGBT+ History Month 2024?

The theme for 2024 LGBTQ+ History month is Medicine #UnderTheScope.

It is a prompt to celebrate the work and life of LGBTQ+ people that have made significant contributions to the field of medicine. It is also an opportunity to shine a light on the discrimination and inequalities that LGBTQ+ people have historically experienced in healthcare settings, and still face to this day.

Why does LGBT+ History Month exist?

Sue Sanders, the co-founder of LGBT+ history month, said in a 2019 interview with the BBC that we need LGBT+ History month 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.”

LGBT+ History month exists to raise awareness of the LGBT+ community’s history and promote equality.

How did LGBT+ History Month start?

Sue Sanders and Paul Patrick, the co-chairs of Schools Out UK, organised the event as part of a programme to educate young people about the issues members of the LGBT+ community face and to make schools inclusive for everyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.

150 to 200 events took place across the UK to celebrate LGBT+ history month, exceeding Sue and Paul’s expectation of 15 to 20 events. LGBT+ History month has taken place every February ever since then.

Why is LGBT+ History Month important? 

It gives us a chance to continue to educate ourselves on our history as a community, to take stock and realise just how good some of us have it. Find out more about why LGBT+ History Month exists here.

But it’s also a chance to look at what hasn’t changed, whether that’s in the UK or worldwide, and what we can do to really embody the spirit of those LGBT+ heroes that came before us.

What is the difference between LGBT+ History Month and Pride Month?

Pride Month takes place in June and is when pride parades, outdoor events that celebrate LGBT+ acceptance and pride, usually take place. These sometimes also serve as demonstrations for legal rights such as marriage equality.

Brenda Howard, a bisexual activist known as the “Mother of Pride”, coordinated the first Pride march in New York City and originated the idea for a week-long series of events around Pride Day, which inspired the annual LGBT+ pride celebrations that are now held every June.

How can I learn more about LGBT+ History Month and support LGBTQ+ colleagues ?

• Take a read of our LGBT+ History Month Factsheet in our members’ resources
• Read our blog How to celebrate LGBT+ History Month meaningfully in your workplace
• Listen to our Podcast Supporting LGBTQ+ Colleagues 
• Arrange for LGBTQ+ leadership training
• Read our blog The silent letters of LGBTQ+ 
• Learn the LGBTQ+ Glossary of Terms
• Read our blog An introduction to LGBTQ+ Flags