Lesbilicious - the web’s tastiest lesbian magazine

Today is the first day of LGBT History Month, celebrated in the UK since 2005. The Month was established by a grass-roots campaign dedicated to making a strong public statement after the repeal of Section 28. Drawing inspiration from the US equivalent - founded in 1994, and our own Black History Month, the idea behind the month-long campaign was to highlight the often hidden histories of LGBT people, bursting the silence surrounding homo- and transexuality that so often leads to harm.

Over the years the number of special events feeding into History Month has expanded, with cultural and educational institutions and public service providers jumping on board. Even those renowned purveyors of sexual equality, Her Majesty’s Police Force are now running events. Famous names are also attached to the campaign, with patrons including Sir Ian McKellen, Labi Siffre, Prof. Melanie Tebbutt and, as of this year, rugby player Gareth Thomas.

The phobia-challenging strength of History Month events has been discussed on Lesbilicious before, in 2009. This year we have looked into those History Month events with a particularly Sapphic appeal. Despite, as ever, gay males and their issues tending to dominate the platforms, stages and gallery walls, women’s voices do abound. They are just a little harder to find. We’ve posted our pick here.

No longer confined to highlighting the mere existence of gay people, History Month programmes are becoming inventive and interesting, in some areas rivalling Pride celebrations. As these picks of the calendar should demonstrate to the world, LGBT people are the same as everyone else – just a lot more fun.

Take a look at the Lesbilicious Events Calendar to see what’s happening in your area.

Posted in: Campaigns & Politics |