Celebrating LGBTQ History Month
We need to learn the lessons of our past.
Our community's history obviously informs our lived experience every single day of the year, but having a dedicated moment where we focus on LGBTQ history helps us all to focus our energy on events and activities that celebrate and showcase key people and milestones from our past.
In the US and Canada, LGBTQ History Month is celebrated in October of each year to coincide with National Coming Out Day.
In the UK, the month of February is designated as LGBTQ History Month - this aligns with the 2003 abolition of Section 28, the government legislation that prevented teachers and schools from discussing LGBTQ topics.
Why have a queer history month?
For much of our history, we have had to hide who we are - concealing our identity and our sexuality - purely for self-preservation. In many parts of the world, queer people are still forced to live a closeted existence.
Dedicating a month to celebrating our history is a small step to try and rectify some of the harm that this has done.
One of the contributing causes of homophobia is ignorance – we need to show the world who LGBTQ people are, to celebrate the contribution that we make, and to demonstrate that we are an integral part of society.
We also need to educate each other. It's easy to forget some of the key milestones and people from our past. Telling our stories helps to provide context and visibility for queer people of all ages.
How should I celebrate LGBTQ history month?
There’s no limit on how you can celebrate LGBTQ history month. Here’s a couple of suggestions.
Educate yourself: Read up on some of the key historical moments in our history. Make sure that you understand how the law has changed over time. Research some of the key people who have been leaders of our community.
Educate others: Share information with your wider networks. Use your social media to promote relevant information about LGBTQ history. Put up some posters at work. Let your friends and family know that history month is important to you.
Celebrate LGBTQ culture: Watch a queer film. Read a queer book. Go to a queer play. Connect with your queer friends. Set up a date or sort out an anonymous hook-up. In years gone by, these things weren’t possible or had to be hidden. By simply celebrating LGBTQ culture, you’re paying respect to the people who have fought for equality and the freedom to be ourselves.
