LGBT+ History Month is every February and was started to give visibility to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people, their history, lives and their experiences through curriculum and the wider community. The LGBT+ History Month charity works hard to get this history into the educational system, and a dedicated month aids the campaign.

Every year, LGBT+ History Month has a different theme. As 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of Pride in the UK, the theme is derived from the origins of Pride. In the early years of Pride, “Personal is Political” was a slogan reiterated throughout the community. Art is arguably one of the most personal forms of expression, making this year’s theme Politics in Art.

Pride Month is celebrated in the UK throughout June, but some of the country's biggest events take place throughout the summer months. It enables LGBTQ+ people and allies to celebrate their genders and sexualities, discuss LGBTQ+ history, and advocate for further change.

The first Pride was held on June 28th 1970 in New York City, US, in protest and celebration for LGBTQ+ people following the anniversary of the stonewall riots. An incident where police raided the Stonewall Inn demanding to check people’s “sex” through physcial examination, which triggered six days of protesting. Tensions had been rising for a long time about the mistreatment of LGBTQ+ people and the lack of rights and respect.

Pride can be considered necessary to respect the hundreds of individuals who have suffered because of their sexuality and have even lost their lives. It encourages conversations, promotes awareness and creates a safer world for all.

LGBT+ History Month is for everyone and it is important to learn about areas of history that haven’t yet made it into our mainstream education. Spend this month learning about histories of the LGBTQ+ community and its members.

There are loads of events happening throughout the month to make it even easier for you.

• Hounslow council is hosting an online Politics in Art: ‘The Arc is Long’ event that looks at LGBTQ+ history and heritage with special guest speakers. Most excitingly, entrants have the chance to submit their work to potentially be displayed at an exhibition in June 2022.
• Or tune into Bad Companions, a talk by NIWM Outreach Officer Michael Fryerexploring issues of sexuality and gender during the Second World War. From the armed forces to the home front, the war years brought new freedoms to society.

You can find all events on the LGBT+ History Month events calendar.

And once you’ve learnt something new, teach someone else! Learning is all about sharing knowledge and this month, share knowledge on the histories of the LBGTQ+ community and its members. It’s important to have conversations and speak out about human rights. Check out our resources on healthy relationships and also mental wellbeing for further reading.