FAQ_ What is LGBT Month and why does it matter v2

What is LGBT+ History month and why does it matter?

Joanne Lockwood

Tags: Transgender, Organisations, Acceptance, LGBTQ+, Ally, LGBT History Month, Celebration, Awareness, Sexuality

LGBT+ History Month is an annual observance that takes place in February in the United Kingdom. It is a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, as well as to raise awareness of the ongoing struggles and discrimination that they face. The month-long celebration is important because it helps to recognize the diversity and history of the LGBT+ community, and it provides an opportunity for people to come together and support one another. It also helps to educate people about the challenges that the LGBT+ community has faced and continues to face, and it can inspire people to work for greater acceptance and equality for LGBT+ people.

What is the theme for LGBT+ History month in 2023?

The LGBT+ History Month 2023 #BehindTheLens celebrates LGBT+ peoples’ contribution to cinema and film from behind the lens. Directors, cinematographers, screenwriters, producers, animators, costume designers, special effects, make-up artists, lighting directors, musicians, choreographers and beyond. At a time when LGBT+ lives are in the media, we also encourage you to look ‘Behind the Lens’ and listen to LGBT+ peoples’ lived experiences. This theme also seeks to honour the resilience of LGBT+ people who have faced discrimination and violence yet still strive for visibility, acceptance, and equality. Through art, music, film, spoken word poetry, discussion groups and more, we can learn about the lived experiences of LGBT+ people over time that have shaped our world today. Celebrating Our Stories not only honours the achievements of members in our community but also serves as a reminder that there is still much work to be done to create a more inclusive society for all.

How did LGBT+ History Month start?

LGBT+ History Month was first observed in October 1994, when it was founded by Missouri high school history teacher Rodney Wilson. Wilson believed that it was important to recognize and celebrate the achievements and contributions of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, and to raise awareness of the struggles and challenges that LGBT+ people face. The idea quickly gained support and momentum, and today, LGBT+ History Month is celebrated in October in the United States and in February in the United Kingdom. It has become an important time to recognize and celebrate the diversity and history of the LGBT+ community and to work towards greater acceptance and equality for LGBT+ people.

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

LGBT+ History Month and Pride Month are two different observances that focus on the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. LGBT+ History Month is an annual observance that takes place in October in the United States and in February in the United Kingdom. It is a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of LGBT+ people and to raise awareness of the ongoing struggles and discrimination that they face. The emphasis is on recognizing and honouring the history and diversity of the LGBT+ community. Pride Month, on the other hand, is a celebration of the LGBT+ community and its history, culture, and achievements. It typically takes place in June to coincide with the Stonewall riots, which are considered a turning point in the fight for LGBT+ rights. Pride Month is marked by events and celebrations around the world, including parades, festivals, and other gatherings. The focus is on celebrating the diversity and strength of the LGBT+ community, and on promoting acceptance and equality. While both observances are important for recognising and supporting the LGBT+ community, they have different focuses and traditions.

How does LGBT+ History month highlight that Protest is Power?

LGBT+ History Month highlights the role of protest in the fight for LGBT+ rights and equality. Throughout history, LGBT+ people have used the protest as a way to resist discrimination and oppression, and to demand equal rights and treatment. The Stonewall riots, which are often considered the beginning of the modern LGBT+ rights movement, were a powerful act of protest against police brutality and discrimination. Today, LGBT+ History Month provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the power of protest in advancing the rights and acceptance of LGBT+ people. By highlighting the history of protest within the LGBT+ community, LGBT+ History Month can inspire and empower people to continue fighting for equality and justice.

How has the LGBT+ community been erased in history?

In many cases, the contributions and achievements of the LGBT+ community have been erased or marginalized in history. This can happen in a number of ways, including through the exclusion of LGBT+ people from history books and other forms of media, the erasure of LGBT+ identities in historical accounts, and the failure to recognize the important roles that LGBT+ people have played in shaping society. As a result, many people are not aware of the rich history and diversity of the LGBT+ community, and this can lead to a lack of understanding and acceptance of LGBT+ people. It is important to recognize and address this erasure of LGBT+ history in order to ensure that the achievements and contributions of LGBT+ people are not forgotten.

Why is it important to raise awareness of Queer history?

It is important to raise awareness of queer history for a number of reasons. First, it helps to recognize and celebrate the achievements and contributions of the queer community, which is often overlooked or erased in mainstream narratives of history. Second, it provides an opportunity for people to learn about the struggles and challenges that queer people have faced, and to gain a better understanding of the discrimination and inequality that they continue to face. Third, it can help to promote greater acceptance and inclusivity of queer people, by highlighting the diversity and richness of the queer community and by showing that queer people have always been an integral part of society. Finally, raising awareness of queer history can inspire people to work towards creating a more inclusive and equal world for all.

It’s 2022, why are LGBT+ communities still being persecuted?

Unfortunately, discrimination and persecution of LGBT+ communities still exists in many parts of the world in 2022. This can happen for a number of reasons, including societal prejudice and discrimination, as well as laws and policies that marginalize or criminalize LGBT+ people. In some cases, LGBT+ people face violence and abuse simply for being who they are, and they may have limited access to legal protections or support. It is important for individuals and communities to work towards promoting acceptance and equality for LGBT+ people, and to challenge discrimination and persecution wherever it occurs.

Who is affected by LGBT+ History month?

LGBT+ History Month is a time to celebrate and recognize the achievements and contributions of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. As such, it is primarily intended to benefit and uplift LGBT+ people, and to provide them with a sense of pride and community. However, LGBT+ History Month is also important for non-LGBT+ people, as it provides an opportunity for them to learn about the history and diversity of the LGBT+ community, and to gain a better understanding of the challenges and struggles that LGBT+ people have faced. By raising awareness and promoting acceptance, LGBT+ History Month can benefit individuals and communities as a whole.

What is the role of an Ally to the LGBT+ communities?

An ally is a person who supports and stands up for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. An ally recognizes the discrimination and challenges that LGBT+ people face, and takes action to promote equality and acceptance for LGBT+ people. This can include standing up against homophobic and transphobic remarks or actions, advocating for LGBT-inclusive policies, and supporting organizations and initiatives that benefit the LGBT+ community. Allies can play an important role in creating a more inclusive and accepting society for LGBT+ people.

What can organisations do to celebrate and raise awareness of LGBT+ history?

There are many things that organizations can do to celebrate and raise awareness of LGBT+ history. Some ideas include:

Hosting events or educational workshops that focus on LGBT+ history and culture
Displaying posters or other materials that highlight the achievements and contributions of LGBT+ people
Featuring stories or profiles of LGBT+ people on the organization’s website or social media channels
Partnering with local LGBT+ organizations to co-host events or provide resources and support
Providing training or education on LGBT+ issues for staff and volunteers
Adopting policies and practices that are inclusive and supportive of LGBT+ people.

By taking these and other steps, organizations can help to promote awareness and understanding of LGBT+ history and culture and can support the LGBT+ community.

Who are the famous queer people in the UK that are often forgotten?

There are many famous queer people in the UK who are often overlooked or forgotten. Some of these individuals include:

Maureen Duffy (1933-): Poet, novelist, and playwright known for her pioneering work in LGBT+ literature.
Derek Jarman (1942-1994): Filmmaker, artist, and activist who was a leading figure in the queer liberation movement in the UK.
Patrick Higgins (1880-1919): Playwright, poet, and artist who was one of the first British writers to openly address homosexuality in his work.
Dora Carrington (1893-1932): Painter and designer who was part of the Bloomsbury Group and was known for her relationships with women.
Edward Carpenter (1844-1929): Writer, philosopher, and activist who was a leading advocate for gay rights in the early 20th century.

These are just a few examples of the many famous queer people who have made important contributions to British culture and history, but who are often overlooked or forgotten. It is important to recognize and celebrate their achievements, and to ensure that their stories are not lost to history.

What are the significant historical events in LGBT+ history in the UK?

There have been many significant events in LGBT+ history in the UK. Some of the most notable include:

1533: Henry VIII passes the Buggery Act, which made sex between men a criminal offence punishable by death.
1967: The Sexual Offences Act is passed, partially decriminalizing homosexuality between men over the age of 21 in England and Wales.
1982: The Gay Pride parade is held in London for the first time, marking the beginning of annual Pride celebrations in the UK.
1988: The UK government introduces the controversial Section 28, which prohibited the promotion of homosexuality in schools.
2000: The UK Parliament passes the Human Rights Act, which provides protection against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
2013: Same-sex marriage becomes legal in England and Wales, followed by Scotland in 2014 and Northern Ireland in 2020.

These events and others have had a significant impact on the rights and acceptance of LGBT+ people in the UK, and they continue to shape the history and culture of the LGBT+ community in the country.

What is Section 28 and when was it revoked in the UK?

Section 28 of the Local Government Act was passed in the UK in 1988, and it prohibited the promotion of homosexuality in schools. This controversial law was widely criticized by LGBT+ rights organizations and others, who argued that it perpetuated discrimination and homophobia. In 2003, the UK government repealed Section 28, effectively lifting the ban on the promotion of homosexuality in schools. This was an important step towards greater equality and acceptance of LGBT+ people in the UK.

What does the LGBT+ acronym standard for

The LGBT+ acronym stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. These terms are used to describe individuals who are attracted to people of the same gender (lesbian and gay), to people of more than one gender (bisexual), or to people of a gender that is different from the one they were assigned at birth (transgender). The acronym has been expanded in recent years to include additional identities, such as queer, intersex, and asexual. Some people use the term LGBTQ+ to refer to the broader community of individuals with non-heterosexual and non-cisgender identities.

What hashtags should I use to promote LGBT+ History month?

Some common hashtags that are used to promote LGBT+ History Month include:

#LGBTHistoryMonth
#LGBTQ
#LGBT
#QueerHistory
#LGBTQHistory
#PrideMonth
#Equality
#BehindTheLens

Using these hashtags on social media can help to raise awareness of LGBT+ History Month, and can encourage others to join in celebrating the achievements and contributions of the LGBT+ community. It is also a good idea to check for any specific hashtags that may be used for the event in your area, or that are related to the theme of the celebration. Using these hashtags can help to connect your posts with others who are interested in the same topics, and can help to amplify your message and reach a wider audience.

How can my organisation avoid “pinkwashing” or “rainbow washing” in during LGBT+ History month?

Pinkwashing and rainbow washing refer to the use of LGBT-related themes or symbols, such as rainbow flags or the colours of the transgender pride flag, in a way that is superficial or insincere. This can happen when organizations or businesses use LGBT-related imagery to appear inclusive or progressive, without actually taking any meaningful action to support the LGBT+ community.

To avoid pinkwashing or rainbow washing during LGBT+ History Month, organizations can take the following steps:

Educate themselves about the history and experiences of the LGBT+ community, and make sure that their actions are grounded in an understanding of the challenges and discrimination that LGBT+ people face.
Engage with the LGBT+ community and listen to their perspectives and concerns. This can help to ensure that any initiatives or activities are inclusive and respectful and that they are addressing the needs and priorities of the community.
Take concrete and meaningful action to support the LGBT+ community. This can include things like providing resources, funding, or support for LGBT+ organizations, advocating for inclusive policies, and challenging discrimination and prejudice wherever it occurs.
Be transparent and accountable. Organizations should be open and honest about their efforts to support the LGBT+ community, and they should be willing to listen to feedback and make changes as needed.

By following these steps, organizations can avoid using LGBT-related themes or symbols in a superficial or insincere way, and can demonstrate their genuine commitment to supporting and uplifting the LGBT+ community.

What is the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity

Sexual orientation and gender identity are two different aspects of a person’s identity. Sexual orientation refers to a person’s emotional, romantic, and sexual attraction to others. It is generally defined along a spectrum that includes heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality, as well as other orientations. Gender identity, on the other hand, refers to a person’s sense of their own gender, and it may or may not align with the gender they were assigned at birth. Gender identity can include identities such as male, female, , transgender, and others. While sexual orientation and gender identity are related, they are distinct concepts. A person’s sexual orientation may or may not have anything to do with their gender identity and vice versa. For example, a person who is a man and is attracted to men may have a gay sexual orientation and a male gender identity. A person who is a woman and is attracted to men may have a heterosexual sexual orientation and a female gender identity. A person who is non-binary and is attracted to people of all genders may have a pansexual sexual orientation and a non-binary gender identity. Overall, sexual orientation and gender identity are both important parts of a person’s identity, and they can intersect and interact in complex and varied ways. It is important to respect and accept people for who they are, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

What is the most important thing I should know about LGBT+ history month?

There are many important things to know about LGBT+ History Month, but one of the most important is that it is a time to celebrate and recognize the achievements and contributions of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT+) community. This month-long observance provides an opportunity to learn about the history and diversity of the LGBT+ community, and to gain a better understanding of the challenges and struggles that LGBT+ people have faced. It is also a time to promote acceptance and equality for LGBT+ people and to challenge discrimination and persecution wherever it occurs. By participating in and supporting LGBT+ History Month, individuals and communities can take a stand against discrimination and prejudice and can work towards creating a more inclusive and accepting society for all.

What is the difference between the word Queer and the acronym LGBT+?

The word “queer” and the acronym “LGBT” are both used to describe individuals who are not heterosexual or cisgender. However, there are some important differences between the two terms. The word “queer” was originally used as a pejorative term to refer to LGBT+ people, but it has been reclaimed by some members of the community as a positive and inclusive term. It is often used as an umbrella term to refer to a diverse range of non-heterosexual and non-cisgender identities, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and others. Some people use the term “queer” to signal a rejection of traditional labels and categories and to embrace a more fluid and inclusive notion of sexuality and gender. The acronym “LGBT” specifically refers to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. It is a more specific and defined term than “queer,” and it is often used to refer to the community of people who identify as one of these four identities. The acronym is often expanded to include additional identities, such as queer, intersex, and asexual, and some people use the term “LGBTQ+” to refer to the broader community of non-heterosexual and non-cisgender individuals. Overall, both “queer” and “LGBT” are used to refer to individuals who are not heterosexual or cisgender. However, the terms have different connotations and uses, and which one is used can depend on personal preference and context.

How do Trans people fit into LGBT+ History month?

Trans people are an integral part of the LGBT+ community, and they are included and celebrated during LGBT+ History Month. This month-long observance is a time to recognize and honour the achievements and contributions of all LGBT+ people, including those who are transgender. This can include highlighting the history and experiences of trans people, recognizing the challenges and discrimination that trans people face, and advocating for greater acceptance and equality for trans people. By including and uplifting trans voices and experiences, LGBT+ History Month can help to promote understanding and inclusivity for all members of the LGBT+ community.

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I am the Founder and CEO of SEE Change Happen an Inclusion & Belonging Practice that supports organisations and businesses. I am passionate that the world of work should be better for everyone and organisations need to create a culture where everyone feels psychological safety and can thrive. I also specialise in LGBTQIA+ awareness, specifically for Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming individuals.

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