LGBTQ+ is for everyone! The month is an annual month-long observance of LGBTQ+ history and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movement. Rodney Wilson a Missouri school teacher founded the day in 1994. In the UK and Hungary, it is observed in February, as in the UK this coincides with the major celebration of the 2003 abolition of Section 28, Section 28 being an act that was brought in to prohibit the promotion of homosexuality by local authorities. In the USA, Canada, and Australia, it is celebrated in October to coincide with “National Coming Out Day” on the 11th and to commemorate the first and second marches on Washington in 1979 and 1987 for LGBT rights. In Berlin it is known as “Queer History Month” and is celebrated in May.
The aim of LGBTQ+ History Month is to promote equality and diversity for everyone. It offers the chance to connect and reflect on the past and present of the LGBTQ+ community. It’s an opportunity to celebrate LGBTQ+ culture and progress towards equality over time, and to explore the lessons of history that can teach us all in the future.
There are events that take place throughout the month that are delivered by schools, volunteers, activists, community groups, and lots more. In fact, anyone can take part. Everyone who decides to take part, whether it be online or in person, helps to make LGBTQ+ History Month what it is! The month is intended to inspire, engage, and provoke conversation. How that goes is entirely up to you!
In an article for Vogue, Cara Delevinge said that learning about the fluidity of gender was a “breakthrough moment” moment for her.
John Barrowman who has been an active LGBTQ+ advocate for many years, said, “Never apologise for being you.”
At Skillnet we are proud of all our learners and want to join in on the celebrations of LGBTQ+ History Month. We encourage our learners to have open conversations with one another to inspire each other and to Promote, Respect, Inclusion, Dignity for Everyone!
Links
LGBT History Month – Wikipedia
LGBT History Month | About
Top 10 LGBT+ Celebrities 2019 – British LGBT Awards
LGBT History Month 2022
