I am Human

Hello

Tomorrow sees the start of February which, in the UK, marks Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) History Month. This is a month long observance of the history of gay rights and related civil rights movements. Interestingly, it is currently only recognised in the United States and the UK. In the US it is celebrated in October to coincide with National Coming Out Day on October 11th. In the UK it is observed in February to coincide with the celebrations for the abolition of Section 28 in 2003.

Just in case you weren’t aware, Section 28 of the Local Government Act, 1988 was a controversial amendment to the UK’s Local Government Act 1986. The amendment stated that a local authority “shall not intentionally promote homosexuality or publish material with the intention of promoting sexuality” or “promote the teaching in any maintained school of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship”. Whilst it was repealed on 21st June 2000 in Scotland, it took until 18th November 2003 to be repealed in the rest of the UK.

2003 also saw the introduction of the first piece of UK legislation, The Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003, dealing specifically with sexual orientation in the workplace.

According to LGBT History Month the overall aim of the month is to promote equality and diversity for the benefit of the public.

This is done by:

  • Increasing the visibility of LGBT people, their history, lives and experiences;
  • Raising awareness and advancing education on matters affecting the LGBT community;
  • Working to make education and other institutions safe spaces for all LGBT communities; and
  • Promoting the welfare of LGBT people, by ensuring the education system recognises and enables LGBT people to fulfil their potential, so they can contribute fully to society and lead fulfilled lives.

Cheltenham’s local LGBT Partnership has very similar aims. Whilst it focuses activities and events in Cheltenham, it is made up of organisations from across Gloucestershire providing support and services to the LGBT community across the County. With this February’s theme being “Geography: Mapping our World”, the Partnership has focused on personal geographies. It has created a social media campaign, “Hope from our Heritage”. Each week will host a mini campaign covering local support, favourite LGBT media, and progress made for the LGBT community.

Check out @lgbtchelt #CheltOut and keep your eye on our twitter to find out more