Did you know that LGBT History Month is celebrated in different months in the UK and US? While the UK observes this annual celebration of queer history and individuals in February, the US and Canada celebrate it in October. And, LGBT History Month 2024 is almost upon us in the UK. Let’s continue to honor and recognize the contributions and struggles of the LGBTQ+ community around the world.
The UK iteration was started in 2005 and founded by the LGBTQ+ education charity Schools OUT UK. The charity states that the month is about “claiming our past”, “celebrating our present”, and “creating our future”, and is often used to promote LGBTQ education in schools
Schools OUT UK offers free resources to educate about LGBTQ+ history and invites people to host their own events to celebrate.
Why does LGBT History Month take place in February in the UK?
LGBT History Month is celebrated annually in February in the UK. The first event took place in 2005. Although the UK and US LGBT History Month have similar goals, they were established independently and over a decade apart, which means the dates do not coincide.
In the US, LGBT History Month was first celebrated in October 1994, and it was originally called Lesbian and Gay History Month. The event was founded by Rodney Wilson, who was the first openly gay public school teacher in Missouri. In contrast, an equivalent event did not exist in the UK until almost 11 years later.
What is the theme for 2024?
The UK celebrates LGBT+ History Month every year with a specific theme. In 2024, the official theme is Medicine – #UnderTheScope. The aim is to celebrate the historical and current contributions of LGBTQ+ people to the field of medicine and healthcare.
According to Schools Out UK, the theme will “showcase the amazing work of LGBT+ staff across the NHS and in other healthcare settings, in providing healthcare, especially during the pandemic.”
It will shed light on the complicated history of the LGBTQ+ community’s healthcare experience, which has left them facing health inequalities today.
But there’s also Pride Month?
LGBT History Month and LGBT Pride Month are two different celebrations. LGBT History Month is observed in the UK and provides an opportunity to highlight the history of LGBTQ+ people in the country and learn about their past. On the other hand, Pride Month, celebrated in June globally, is focused on raising awareness and promoting acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community and the issues they face.
How can you celebrate LGBT+ History Month?
There are various ways to celebrate this year. Many local councils will host events related to the history and education of the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, there are opportunities to participate in events in your workplace, school or local area.
Schools Out, The Proud Trust and Inclusive Employers provide resources to help people celebrate LGBT+ History Month meaningfully, such as sharing poetry, prose, plays, films, TV shows, books, games, tasks and educational information to help people engage with it.
Additionally, creating safe spaces for people who identify as LGBTQ+ to share their experiences, fears and hopes is helpful.
There are a number of events in London, where many of the bigger celebrations will be taking place.
Queer Britain, the UK’s only LGBTQ+ museum, will be staging special events in addition to its permanent and evolving exhibition which is described as a “riot of voices, objects and images from the worlds of activism, art, culture and social history, covering over 100 years of queer life”.
Tate Modern, Greenwich’s National Maritime Museum and The British Museum are also hosting queer-themed tours while Bishopsgate Institute will be open twice in February to allow visitors to view its LGBTQ+ collective.
Raze Collective, a charity which develops queer performances, will also play host to a number of performance events across the country throughout the month and many LBGTQ+ bars, pubs and clubs across the country are likely to hold themed quizzes, comedy shows and club nights.