LGBTQ+ History Month Speakers
LGBTQ+ History Month is celebrated annually throughout February in the United Kingdom. In the United States, this is celebrated in October. It is a time to recognise the profound contributions of the LGBTQ+ community and to reflect on their history and the unjust discrimination they have faced over the years.
The Significance of LGBTQ+ History Month
LGBTQ+ History Month serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and the rich history of the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a time to honour the LGBTQ+ trailblazers who paved the way for progress and commemorate important milestones in LGBTQ+ History. Furthermore, it is an important opportunity for us to recommit to creating a more inclusive society.
The Origins of LGBTQ+ History Month
The roots of LGBTQ+ History Month can be traced back to 1978, when a group of LGBTQ+ activists in San Francisco commemorated the first Gay Freedom Day on June 27th. This event marked the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. In 1994, President Bill Clinton designated October as National LGBTQ+ History Month in the United States, and in 2002, the UK followed suit, recognising February as LGBTQ+ History Month.
The Role of LGBTQ+ History Month Today
In today’s world, LGBTQ+ History Month remains as relevant as ever. It is the perfect time to educate the public about the LGBTQ+ community’s history, challenges, and triumphs.
While some progress has been made in terms of LGBTQ+ equality, the LGBTQ+ community continues to face discrimination and inequality in various aspects of life.
Nearly 50% of LGBTQ+ pupils continue to face bullying in schools, and more than a third of LGBTQ+ staff (35%) have hidden that they are LGBTQ+ at work for fear of discrimination.
Taken from LGBT in Britain – Work (2018).
The Impact of LGBTQ+ History Month Speakers
One of the best ways to celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month is to invite a guest speaker to share their knowledge and experiences with your audience. Our incredible speakers bring their unique perspectives, personal stories, and expertise to the table, offering valuable insights into the LGBTQ+ community’s history and the importance of inclusion.
Popular LGBTQ+ History Month Speakers
- Max Siegel – LGBTQ+ and Transgender Inclusion expert
- Lady Phyll Opoku-Gyimah – Founder of UK Black Pride
- Mohsin Zaidi – Author of ‘A Dutiful Boy’
- Matt Ellison – Transgender man and expert on EDI
Examples of LGBTQ+ History that can be covered during talks:
Stonewall Riots (1969) A series of violent protests that erupted after a police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City, on June 28, 1969. The Stonewall Riots are considered a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, sparking a new wave of activism and consciousness-raising.
The AIDS Crisis (1980s-present) A devastating public health crisis that disproportionately affected the LGBTQ+ community, particularly gay men. The AIDS crisis caused widespread fear, discrimination, and loss of life but also galvanised activism and led to significant advancements in HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention.
Section 28 (1988-2004) A controversial law in the United Kingdom that prohibited the promotion of homosexuality in schools. Section 28 was deeply damaging to LGBTQ+ youth and fostered a climate of intolerance and discrimination. It was repealed in 2004.
The First National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Conference (1977) was A landmark event that brought together LGBTQ+ activists from across the United States to discuss issues facing the community and develop strategies for social change. The conference is considered a turning point in the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
The Formation of the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) (1969) is a radical organisation that emerged in the aftermath of the Stonewall Riots. The GLF challenged traditional notions of gender and sexuality and advocated for a more militant approach to LGBTQ+ liberation.
These are just a few examples of the many important events and movements in LGBTQ+ history. By exploring these historical moments, we can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community and continue to fight for equality and justice.
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