Welcome to February, which is LGBT+ History Month in the UK. It was introduced by Schools OUT in 2005, after the abolition of Section 28 allowed schools to openly discuss LGBTQ+ issues.

LGBT+ History Month is important for a number of reasons. It is as an opportunity to;

Acknowledge those across the world who live without rights
Learn about historical LGBTQ+ figures and events
Encourage inclusivity and understanding in the workplace and the wider community
Remember how far we have come in the fight for equality
Build a better world for young LGBTQ+ professionals
Ensure we do not become complacent and allow rights to roll back

The theme for this year is Medicine - #UnderTheScope which celebrates LGBTQ+ peoples’ contribution to the field of Medicine and Healthcare both historically and today.

School’s Out highlights the importance of this theme, stating:

“We want to showcase the amazing work of LGBT+ staff across the NHS and in other healthcare settings, in providing healthcare, especially during the pandemic. Whilst still shining a light on the history of the LGBT+ community’s experience of receiving healthcare which has been extremely complicated leaving LGBT+ people still facing health inequalities even today.

At a time when the LGBT+ community is experiencing a rise in hate crime and hate instances, we also encourage you to look ‘Under the Scope’ and listen to LGBT+ peoples’ lived experiences from LGBT+ people.”

You can find out more about LGBT+ History Month on the official website which also contains additional resources on some key historical figures such as Sophia Jex Blake and Ewan Forbes, which can be shared with your organisations.

This LGBT+ History Month, and every month from here onwards, you can help make a positive impact the the lives of LGBT+ individuals, through supporting cic’s like Out Making Games, exploring charities like the Terrence Higgins Trust, setting up or bolstering support groups in your business, or through further educating yourselves or the people around you. For more information, follow any of the links below, or get in touch with us at leadership@outmaking.games

Article by Jasmin Fox - Out Making Games

https://www.outmaking.games/

https://lgbtplushistorymonth.co.uk/lgbt-history-month-2024/

Home | Terrence Higgins Trust (tht.org.uk)

https://www.beaumontsociety.org.uk/

https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/

https://genderedintelligence.co.uk/