Celebrate LGBT History Month 2023 in the United Kingdom!

February is designated each year as LGBT History Month in the United Kingdom

LGBT History Month in the UK takes place annually in February and was started there in 2005 by the LGBT charity, Schools OUT.

This year the theme is #BehindTheLens celebrating LGBT+ peoples’ contribution to cinema and film from behind the lens. Directors, cinematographers, screen writers, producers, animators, costume designers, special effects, makeup artists, lighting directors, musicians, choreographers and beyond.

At a time when LGBT+ lives are in the media the theme encourages people to look ‘Behind the Lens’ and listen to LGBT+ peoples’ lived experiences.

Schools, universities, libraries, theatres and many other including Pride organisations hold events throughout the month to help raise awareness and share the experiences of LGBT+ people in the UK.

This month is dedicated to recognizing and honouring the achievements and struggles that LGBT people have faced throughout history and raising awareness of those issues.

InterPride’s Vice President of Member Services and a UK resident, Debbie Brixey, had the following to say:

From 1988 -2003 the UK had Section 28 a law brought in to stop the “promotion of homosexuality” by local authorities. This had a profound effect on LGBT people at that time and continues to negatively impact many lives. LGBT History month gives us the opportunity to ensure our stories are heard and to raise awareness of issues that affect us.

Section 28 was part of the Local Government Act 1988, which stated that a local authority “shall not intentionally promote homosexuality or publish material with the intention of promoting homosexuality” or “promote the teaching in any maintained school of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship”

Promoting equality and visibility for LGBT people is one of the primary goals of the activities during LGBT History Month. In addition to recognizing LGBT people’s accomplishments and the positive impact they’ve had on society, this month serves as an opportunity to raise awareness among a broader audience about the struggles and hardships that LGBT people

It is essential to remember that the history of LGBT people does not begin and end with February. The battle for equality and visibility of LGBT people is an ongoing one that takes place throughout the year and is an important issue that directly impacts the lives of millions of people worldwide.

Join us in celebrating #BehindTheLens with our United Kingdom #ChosenFamily!