February is LGBT+ History month in the UK – an annual month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements. In 2005, educators and activists Sue Sanders and Paul Patrick organised LGBT+ History Month as part of a Schools Out UK project, a programme that aims to educate young people about the issues members of the LGBT+ community face and to make schools feel inclusive for everyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
The event was first held in February to coincide with the abolition of Section 28, a hugely controversial piece of Conservative government legislation which banned local authorities and schools from “promoting” homosexuality. After widespread opposition and condemnation, Section 28 was abolished in 2003. Alas, due to the ongoing pandemic, we will not be able to celebrate the month in the usual way at school. However, we will hopefully be able to run various events later in the year to ensure that acceptance without exception remains a central part of our school community.
Please also check out Fusion groups Twitter page – @fusion_bwood – to read up on profiles of famous LGBT+ figures – past and present – as well as information, talks and resources on all things LGBT+.