It’s really important that everyone feels the space that they live, work, and spend time in is a safe, equal, and diverse place to be. We really believe that everyone deserves a voice and LGBT+ History Month is a chance to educate everyone about some of the issues facing members of the LGBT+ community.

This February, we’ll be helping to increase the visibility of LGBT+ people, their history, and their experiences. We’ll help to promote a safe space where LGBT+ people can flourish and reach their full potential, without fear of prejudice.

But first, why not educate yourself with a little history on the month?

LGBT+ History Month was founded in 1994 by a high school teacher named Rodney Wilson in Missouri, America. He saw the importance of providing role models for the younger generation.

Lots of countries celebrate LGTB+ History Month but at different times of the year.  In the UK, Schools OUT UK was the founding organiser. It was evolved from a Gay Teacher’s Group following a London teacher who was fired due to his sexuality after being ‘outed’ by a student.

The UK celebrates the month in February and was organised in the wake of the campaign to abolish Section 28 – a series of laws in the UK that essentially banned local authorities and schools from promoting homosexuality.

Lots of LGBT+ youth clubs began to close their doors which left lots of the younger generation confused and isolated. They weren’t represented in any of the books, plays and films that their school could show, and unfortunately anti-LGBT bullying became widespread as it still is today.

Section 28 was finally removed on the 18th September 2003. Despite it being nearly 20 years later, there is still a lasting impact of the law as LGBT+ history and issues are still missing from some curriculums.

So… what can we do to help?

LGBT+ History Month is all about learning and celebrating LGBT+ people. This month, we’ll be sharing some LGBT+ figures from history who have changed the world.