Every February it’s LGBTQ+ History month where we look back on the past at LGBTQ+ rights and movements. As well as looking back on the rights and the wrongs that have taken place throughout the centuries to the LGBTQ+ community.  

As the centuries have come and gone, people have become more accepting of the LGBTQ+ community, laws have been abolished that have been oppressing the community and new laws have come into place that have helped the community and so much more. However, there is much more we need to do to make it even better for people who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community. 

Podcast – How Can We Raise The Bar On Trans Rights?

Fact – Before 1967 in the UK, it was illegal for two men to engage in a sexual act even in private – you could be imprisoned.  Sex between women wasn’t even recognised as a thing.

Fact –Homosexuality was classed as a ‘mental disorder’ and classified in the DSM (the psychiatric bible of mental disorders) until 1987

Fact – Margaret Thater introduced Section 28 in 1988 – a law that made it illegal to ‘promote’ gay relationships and life’s style to children. You can read more here

Website – 15 Must Read LGBTQ+ books

Fact – Section 28 was abolished in 2000 – but the damage it did to gay young people at the time still lingers today 

Fact –Same sex couples could be legally recognised in 2013 

Fact – Being Transgender was classified as a ‘mental disorder’ in the DSM until 2019 – yes 2019!!! 

Podcast – What is Gender Identity?   

Fact –In July 2021 Gary Jenkins was beaten to death in a Cardiff Park for being gay.

Fact – 2022 sees the 50th anniversary of the first Pride march in the UK in 1972 

Fact – In 1985, men that have sex with the same gender were banned from donating blood due to fears surrounding HIV/AIDS. It wasn’t lifted until 2011. 

Website – History of LGBTQ+ Timeline 

Website – LGBT+ History Month 2022 | Stonewall 

Website – LGBTQ+ History: What Have We Learned So Far? 

Podcast – How Can We Cut Suicide Rates Among LGBTQ+ Youth? 

Overall, LGBTQ+ history month is just one event that helps spread awareness on LGBTQ+ issues. The more we talk about these issues, the more society will change to make it a better world for everyone. It’s important to realise that people who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community are human, just like anyone else so should be treated as such.