LGBT History Month was first initiated in America in the month of October 1994. LGBT History Month UK was initiated by a campaigning organization called Schools OUT in February 2005. Both were based on the creation of the highly successful Black History Month which first occurred in the UK in 1987.

LGBT History Month aims to inform people of the contribution and lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people from both the past and the present so that we may create a more equitable society, both now and in the future.

The lives and achievements of LGBT people are often hidden making it easy for others to stereotype and distort. Such ignorance often breeds prejudice that may manifest in homophobic/transphobic bullying, hate crimes and negative discrimination. As such, LGBT History Month seeks to replace ignorance with knowledge and understanding, while also highlighting the contributions made by LGBT people across all times and cultures.

Individuals and organisations are encouraged to put on their own events throughout February. Please go to the lgbt history month website for ideas. As part of LGBT History Month CSIE will be running a FREE one hour workshop:

Hetero what? Challenging assumptions and tackling homophobia

Room 3S510, Frenchay Campus, UWE, on 16th February 2011, 12.30-1.30pm.

You may also find the following CSIE resource useful – frequently asked questions on schooling for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender children and young people