LGBT+ History Month

LGBT+ History Month is a celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and non-binary history and the remembrance of people who pioneered those changes, such as Karl Heinrich Ulrichs who actively campaigned for sexual and gender identity rights in the late 19th century.

The month of February is a dedicated reminder to everyone, inside and outside of the LGBT+ community, that there is a need to actively celebrate, educate, and understand LGBT+ history for the betterment of everyone.

History

Rodney Wilson, an American school teacher, originally thought there should be a month dedicated to the recognition, celebration, and teaching of LGBT+ history.

In 1994, Wilson gathered teachers and leaders and explained the gap in knowledge about LGBTQ+ icons, and history, and the importance of filling that gap in schools. This led to the USA celebrating LGBT+ History Month in October indefinitely.

In 2004, Schools Out founded the UK LGBT+ History Month, first celebrated in February 2005 with similar aims to reclaim LGBT+ history, celebrate the present, and create a better future for LGBT+ people.

Why is it important?

For years, LGBT+ and its history have been absent from school curriculums and mainstream media, left to be forgotten or only focusing on negative aspects, leading to the spread of bias, misinformation, and prejudice.

LGBT+ History Month was created to bring awareness to LGBT+ people and reflect on its history, creating a better, and more educated future for everyone, especially LGBT+ people.

It is essential to raise awareness and promote understanding of the adversity, prejudice and struggles LGBT+ people have faced throughout history to combat bias and prejudice, and to create a safe space for LGBT+ people.

Mental Health and LGBT+ people

Evidence suggests that mental health problems are more common among the LGBTQIA+ community.

It’s important to remember that being part of the LGBT+ community doesn’t mean you will automatically experience mental health issues. However, LGBT+ people face significant barriers compared to their heterosexual counterparts, such as discrimination and harassment.

Already present bias and prejudice towards the LGBT+ community creates a higher risk of developing poor mental health, further highlighting the need to celebrate and understand the importance of LGBT+ history.

Theme for 2025

The theme for 2025 LGBT+ History Month is Activism and Social Change - #SocialActivism, focusing on the LGBT+ people have been activists and helped shape and create social change, advancing society for everyone.

This LGBT+ History month serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles and victories of LGBT individuals throughout history, and it aims to promote a better understanding, equality, and inclusion for all.

The workplace, LGBT+, and mental health

Stonewall reported that one in ten LGBT+ people have experienced barriers to progression in the workplace and one in eight LGBT+ people don’t feel able to disclose their identity to their colleagues.

Everyone is responsible for doing their part towards inclusivity. However, as a leader, it is your role to implement policies, offer initiatives, provide training, and promote an inclusive workplace culture.

Safeguarding and protecting your people’s mental wellbeing should be a top priority for any leader. It’s not only beneficial for the betterment of your people but also great for your organisation’s growth.

How can leaders create safer workplace environments for LGBT+ colleagues?

1. Training

Being informed is essential. It’s the backbone of the LGBT+ History month movement.

Making sure your people are updated with news, relevant policies, and why it is important to support inclusivity. Set up dedicated training sessions that properly informs your colleagues of the history and tackles any questions your people may have around the topic.

Training your people to be aware is paramount in combatting bias, prejudice, and will allow your LGBT+ people feel accepted, understood, and comfortable.

1. Policies

Make sure your inclusion policy is robust, ensuring integrity and fairness are upheld should any issues arise. Having policies and procedures allows your colleagues to fully understand your expectations and guidelines.

Discrimination of any kind should not be tolerated, regardless of who is being discriminated against, and these matters should be dealt with fairly and promptly. All allegations of discrimination and harassment should be taken seriously.

1. Create a safe place to talk about mental health

Having a good workplace culture around talking is essential in combatting poor mental health.

Create comfortable and dedicated spaces so your people can discuss any worries they may have. Make sure this space is private enough to talk about sensitive topics and that you are ready and willing to listen to your people.

Actively signpost and encourage your people to use these spaces when they need.

1. Celebrate LGBT+ History Month

It is important to celebrate LGBT+ History within the office. It shows you and your organisation cares about inclusivity, diversity, and your LGBTQ+ people and communities.

Here are some simple yet affective ways to celebrate LGBT+ history month:

• Organise and plan interactive and fun activities to encourage learning about LGBT+ history, such as a creating a quiz to enhance knowledge.
• Invite LGBT+ speakers to discuss the month and allow your people to be able to ask any questions they may have.
• Share resources, like LGBT+ books, articles, and films, around the office.

Supporting your organisation's mental health challenges

With a Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), we can offer you practical advice and support when it comes to dealing with anxiety, and depression, and how to improve your work-life balance.

Our EAP provides guidance and supports your employees with their mental health in the workplace and at home. We can help you create a safe, productive workspace that supports all.

We support your employee's mental wellbeing with any problems they might be facing in their professional or personal lives with our 24-hour counselling helpline.