LGBT+ History Month

LGBT+ History Month
Written by
Sean Vickers

Chief Executive Officer

Published on

13 February 2023

Under the category

Authentic Voices

Aurora's CEO, Sean Vickers, openly discusses the significance of LGBT+ History Month and shares informative resources, important organisations, and events you can attend this month.

LGBT+ History Month is a month-long annual celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual trans, and non-binary history, including the history of LGBT+ rights and related civil rights movements. In the United Kingdom it is celebrated in February each year, to coincide with the 2003 abolition of Section 28.

As a gay CEO and leader, it's important for me to talk about LGBT+ History Month as it holds personal significance, promotes inclusivity, educates employees, builds a stronger community, and supports the LGBT community. 

By openly discussing this topic, we collectively make a positive impact on the workplace, and society as a whole. Regardless of your sexual orientation or gender identity, it's important to talk about LGBT History Month for several reasons:

  • Celebrating LGBT+ History Month holds a personal significance for many members of the LGBT+ community, including myself. By openly discussing this topic, you can show that you value and support the contributions of the LGBT+ community and demonstrate your commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace.
  • By talking about LGBT+ History Month, you help promote inclusivity and diversity in your workplace. This sends a message that your company values all employees, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, and that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
  • LGBT+ History Month provides an opportunity for you to work with your teams to explore the rich history of the LGBT+ community and its contributions to society. This can help raise awareness about the challenges and obstacles that the LGBT+ community has faced, and continues to face, in terms of discrimination and prejudice.

You have the power to help build a stronger, more connected community within your workplace. By acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of the LGBT+ community, you can foster a more positive and productive environment, where employees feel valued and appreciated.

I thought it was important to share some key resources that can help. Here are several ways you can support LGBT+ History Month, directly and indirectly.

Resources for you and your company

https://lgbtplushistorymonth.co.uk/resources/

Important Organisations

Here are six of the most important organizations in the UK working towards equality for LGBT+ people. They provide support, advocacy, and resources to help improve the lives of LGBT+ individuals and to promote equality for all:

  • Stonewall: Stonewall is one of the leading organizations in the UK working towards LGBT+ equality. They campaign for legal and policy changes, provide resources and support for the LGBT+ community, and work to educate the public about the issues faced by the LGBT+ community.
  • The UK LGBTQ+ Charity Consortium: The UK LGBTQ+ Charity Consortium is a group of leading LGBT+ charities in the UK that work together to drive change and improve the lives of LGBT+ people. They provide resources and support to LGBT+ individuals, advocate for policy changes, and work to raise awareness about the issues faced by the LGBT+ community.
  • The Albert Kennedy Trust: The Albert Kennedy Trust is a charity that supports young LGBT+ people who are homeless or living in a hostile environment. They provide housing, support, and advocacy to help young people achieve their potential.
  • Mermaids UK: Mermaids UK is a charity that supports transgender and gender-diverse children, young people, and their families. They provide information, support, and advocacy to help families navigate the complex issues faced by transgender and gender-diverse individuals.
  • The Terrence Higgins Trust: The Terrence Higgins Trust is a leading HIV and sexual health charity in the UK. They work to support people living with HIV, raise awareness about HIV and sexual health, and advocate for policy changes to improve the lives of LGBT+ people.
  • The Bishopsgate Institute has a commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the LGBT+ community in London and the UK. The Institute holds an extensive collection of archives and manuscripts related to LGBT+ history, including material on the early gay rights movement, the fight for LGBT+ equality, and the experiences of LGBT+ individuals. The Institute also offers a variety of programs and events that celebrate and explore LGBT+ culture and history. These may include public lectures, workshops, exhibitions, and film screenings. By preserving and promoting the history of the LGBT+ community, the Bishopsgate Institute helps to raise awareness about the contributions of LGBT+ individuals and to promote a greater understanding of LGBT+ culture and history. The Institute's work also helps to combat discrimination and to advance the cause of LGBT+ equality.

Pronouns

The Albert Kennedy Trust have pulled together an incredibly helpful guide to pronouns.

Theatre

A new musical After The Act is inspiring LGBTQ+ celebrations. The show focuses on the impact of Section 28, a damaging legislation that banned schools and local authorities from ‘promoting homosexuality’

Noticing the global need for queer joy right now, cult theatre company Breach has turned this dark piece of history into a powerful musical weaving together anthemic songs and interviews straight from those who experienced it.

Read more & book tickets here.

There are many ways to support LGBT+ History Month, from educating yourself and your teams and colleagues, to being an ally, and from participating in events to supporting organizations that work for the LGBT+ community. By taking action, you can help make a positive impact on society and promote equality for all.

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