LGBT History Month 2024: Here’s why the UK and US celebrate in different months
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LGBT History Month 2024 is fast approaching in the UK, but did you know that this annual celebration of queer history and individuals is observed at different times of the year in different countries? In the UK, it is celebrated in February each year, while in the US and Canada, it takes place in October.
The UK iteration of LGBT History Month 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. As part of helping educate people about LGBTQ+ history, Schools OUT UK provides free resources to help people celebrate. The charity invites people to host their own events as part of the celebrations.
But why does LGBT History Month take place in February in the UK? The first event took place in 2005, and although created with similar goals in mind, the UK and US LGBT History Month were founded independently and more than a decade apart, meaning the dates do not coincide. In the US, LGBT History Month was first celebrated in October 1994, when it was known as Lesbian and Gay History Month. It was founded by Rodney Wilson, who was the first openly gay public school teacher in Missouri. An equivalent event did not exist in the UK until almost 11 years later.
Every year, the UK celebration is marked with a theme. The official theme for LGBT+ History Month 2024 is Medicine – #UnderTheScope, and aims to celebrate LGBTQ+ people’s “contribution to the field of medicine and healthcare both historically and today.” According to Schools Out UK, the theme will “showcase the amazing work of LGBTQ+ staff across the NHS and in other healthcare settings, in providing healthcare, especially during the pandemic.” It will also shine “a light on the history of the LGBT+ community’s experience of receiving healthcare, which has been complicated, leaving people still facing health inequalities today.”
It is important to note that LGBT History Month is different from LGBT Pride Month, which is celebrated each June in the US and around the world. LGBT History Month is a chance to put the history of lesbian, gay, bi, and trans people in the UK in the spotlight and learn about their pasts. In comparison, Pride Month is about raising awareness and promoting acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community and the issues they face.
There are a number of ways to celebrate LGBT+ History Month in the UK. Many local councils will host events relating to the history and education of the LGBTQ+ community. There are also opportunities to participate 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. These resources include 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.
In London, where many of the bigger celebrations will take place, there are numerous events to attend. Queer Britain, the UK’s only LGBTQ+ museum, will be staging special events in addition to its permanent and evolving exhibition. The museum offers a “riot of voices, objects, and images from the worlds of activism, art, culture, and social history, covering over 100 years of queer life.” Other cultural institutions such as Tate Modern, Greenwich’s National Maritime Museum, and The British Museum are also hosting queer-themed tours. Bishopsgate Institute will be open twice in February to allow visitors to view its LGBTQ+ collection.
Raze Collective, a charity that develops queer performances, will play host to a number of performance events across the country throughout the month. Additionally, many LGBTQ+ bars, pubs, and clubs across the country are likely to hold themed quizzes, comedy shows, and club nights.
LGBT History Month 2024 is a time to celebrate the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals to various fields, with a particular focus on medicine and healthcare. It is an opportunity to learn about the history of the community and promote inclusivity and understanding. Whether attending events, engaging with educational resources, or creating safe spaces for sharing experiences, there are many ways to participate and celebrate this important month in the UK.
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“LGBT History Month 2024”
