This article has been brought to you by Slough Borough Council on behalf of Slough Children First for the attention of all schools.
February is LGBT+ History Month and this year, the awareness month which was first initiated in the UK by Schools Out UK, is celebrating 20 years. It is intended to raise awareness of, and combat prejudice against, LGBT+ people and their history, as well as celebrate them. It is a month long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and civil rights movement.
The theme this year is Activism and Social Change.
The history of LGBT+ people was hidden for a long time and following the repeal of Section 28 in 2000 in England, the month was created to:-
- Claim the past
- Celebrate the present
- Create the future
Each year, LGBT+ History Month highlights key historical figures. This year, the individuals chosen to highlight and celebrate are:
- Octavia Hill: A social reformer and co-founder of the National Trust, Hill worked tirelessly to protect public spaces and ensure access to nature for all. Her advocacy for community well-being resonates with the ongoing fight for inclusivity and equality.
- Ivor Cummings: Known as “The Black Englishman,” Cummings played a pivotal role in advocating for racial equality and integration in post-war Britain. His work reminds us of the intersections between race and LGBT+ activism.
- Annie Kenney: A suffragette and labour activist, Kenney was instrumental in the fight for women’s voting rights. Her determination to challenge the status quo speaks to the power of collective action.
- Charlie Kiss: A trailblazer in transgender activism, Kiss’s work has inspired countless individuals to live authentically and fight for their rights. His advocacy reflects the ongoing challenges and victories within the LGBT+ community.
- Olaudah Equiano: An abolitionist and writer, Equiano’s autobiography shed light on the horrors of slavery and championed human rights. His legacy highlights the importance of storytelling in driving social change.
SCF are proud to be an LGBT+ inclusive employer. To mark the month, there are various in-person and online events taking place across the country, open to all. Please see https://lgbtplushistorymonth.co.uk/lgbt-history-month-2025/ for more information.