LGBTQ+ History Month was first introduced in February 2004 in response to Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988. The month aims to challenge stereotypes against LGBTQ+ people in both the present and the past.
What is LGBTQ+ Month?
LGBTQ+ History Month is a month centred around the celebration and recognition of the LGBTQ+ community. It focuses on developing awareness about the experiences and lives of the people who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. The month celebration began in the United Kingdom by Schools Out UK, an education charity which strives to make schools and educational institutions safe for the LGBTQ+ community.
Support and Resources
LGBTQ+ History Month is a time to remember, learn and educate people about the lives and history of LGBTQ+ people. One way to support the history month is by engaging with organisations who fight for the rights of all those who identify as LGBTQ+. The LGBTQ+ is a wide and diverse group of people and it’s important to acknowledge and support all parts of the community.
Here is a list of charities who educate and engage with the community to raise awareness on the LGBTQ+ community and their rights:
- The Trevor Project – an international organisation that mainly focuses on providing a safe place for queer young individuals. They offer free online resources for counsellors, teachers, administrators, school nurses and social workers.
- Switchboard – a 24-hour helpline for people who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. It is an online listening service that provides support over the phone, via email and through Instant Messaging. It is operated by LGBTQ+ volunteers who value the importance of confidentiality.
- OutRight – an international charity that operates at regional, national and international levels. They carry out research and defend LGBTQ+ people’s human rights around the world. OutRight has a permanent presence to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community at the United Nations Headquarters.
- Born This Way Foundation – a charity committed to support the wellness of young people. Their work is mostly based on research and partnership that provide individuals with the information they need to enhance their mental health and the surrounding environment and community.
- Gendered Intelligence – a transgender-led charity that specialises in supporting young transgender individuals aged 8-25. They offer a wealth of information through publications, booklets and conferences. Gendered Intelligence runs events for parents and carers of transgender family members.
- Diversity Role Models – an organisation that strives to embed inclusion and empathy through education and role model storytelling. Their mission is to prevent homophobic and transphobic bullying in schools in the United Kingdom. Diversity Role Models value the importance of stopping bullying before it happens. Their workshops are held by LGBTQ+ role models who speak to young individuals about their life experiences.
- All Out – a charity that connects thousands of LGBTQ+ individuals who face discrimination or persecution around the world. Most of their campaigns start as online petitions and further develop into media work, achieving results on a global scale.
Knowing your rights as an LGBTQ+ individual is essential to ensure you are treated fairly at work and in your life. You can read our dedicated page on our website to learn more about your rights.