This February, we celebrate LGBT+ History Month.
Image Credit: Schools Out UK
The overall aim of LGBT+ History Month is to promote equality and diversity for the benefit of the public. This is done by “increasing the visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (“LGBT+”) people, their history, lives and their experiences in the curriculum and culture of educational and other institutions, and the wider community”.
Founded in 2004 by Schools Out co-chairs, Paul Patrick & Professor Emeritus Sue Sanders, the event itself was first celebrated in the UK in February 2005. Schools Out UK did this to coincide with the 2003 abolition of Section 28, a law which was passed in 1988 to stop local authorities and schools from “promoting the teaching of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship.” The notion of such a regressive law may be difficult for some generations to comprehend in this age, but that law remained in effect for 15 years until after the millennium. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the repeal of Section 28, and it’s more important than ever to educate on and celebrate the history of LGBT+ communities.
According to CIPD research, 40% of LGBT+ people have experienced conflict in the workplace. John Peart, Chair of the Civil Service LGBTQ+ Network has shared how they developed a mentoring scheme for LGBTQ+ colleagues in the civil service to help people overcome challenges in the workplace and advance their careers. Watch the video by visiting Government Events.
As an organisation, VONNE are always looking for ways to make our workplace more diverse and inclusive. Last year, in response to the results of a staff survey which identified LGBTQ+ awareness as an area our staff were keen to learn more about, we took part in a brilliant LGBTQ+ Awareness training session from LGBT Advance. Our popular Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Group, including staff from across all levels of the organisation, meet monthly to discuss how we can continue to make sure we create a welcoming and inclusive environment.
For the first time in England and Wales, the March 2021 Census asked people about their sexual orientation and gender identity, seen by many as progress for recognition and a chance to shape future services for the LGBT+ community. These questions were voluntary, but over 90% of the 45 million people that completed the census were willing to respond. The full results have now been published by the Office for National Statistics.
The theme of this year’s history month is #BehindTheLens and celebrates LGBT+ peoples’ contribution to cinema and film from behind the lens. This includes directors, cinematographers, screen writers, producers, animators, costume designers, special effects, make up artists, lighting directors, musicians, choreographers and beyond. In an age when LGBT+ lives are in the media we are also asked to look ‘Behind the Lens’ and listen to LGBT+ peoples’ lived experiences.
There will be several online events & talks throughout the month and you can find out more information on the LGBT+ History Month Calendar of Events page. In the North East, Curious Arts and the Discovery Museum will be hosting an in-person event on Saturday 11th February focusing on how we can preserve LGBT+ History- the event is free to attend but booking in advance is essential. For further details, visit Handing On, Holding On: Finding and keeping our LGBTQIA+ history at TicketSource.
For a list of organisations providing LGBT+ support, download our LGBT+ Resources PDF.