LGBT+ History Month is a month-long, annual celebration and remembrance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history. The month aims to promote equality and diversity, and to mark changes over the years to people’s rights. It is also a time to reflect on the future, and to think about what more can be done to promote inclusivity.

The theme for this year’s LGBTQ+ History Month is #BehindTheLens, showcasing the LGBT+ contribution to cinema and film, incorporating directors, cinematographers, screen writers, producers, animators, costume designers, special effects, make-up artists, lighting directors, musicians and choreographers. 

To mark the month, there is a LGBT+ History Month Film Series throughout February and March at the Cinema Museum in London. For details and listings, visit the LGBT+ History Month website.

There is also a calendar of nationwide events to get involved with, and lots of age appropriate information and resources on the LGBT+ History Month website.

Positive progress to date

Bought into effect in 1988  by Margaret Thatcher 's Conservative government, Section 28 was legislative designation for a series of laws across Britain that prohibited the promotion of homosexuality by local authorities, essentially meaning it was illegal to talk about LGBTQ+ issues positively in schools. These laws were in effect from 1988 to 2000 in Scotland and from 1988 to 2003 in England and Wales.

In 2003, Section 28 was repealed, meaning that it was no longer illegal to promote the LGBTQ+ community in a positive way. In the same year, the Criminal Justice Act criminalised homophobic hate crime. 

And in 2021, the UK Census included questions about gender identity and sexual orientation for the first time, allowing data to be collected about the number of people within the LGBTQ+ community.

While this is all incredible progress, there is still lots of work to be done, and the queer community still has a lot to fight for.

Support at RASASC

At RASASC we support survivors of all genders over the age of 13 across Surrey. We offer free, confidential and non-judgemental support through our helpline, counselling and Independent Sexual Violence Advisor services.

However you identify, if you need us, we are here. Visit our Get Support page to find out more, and get in touch