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Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans History Month
February 2008
The idea of LGBT History Month came from School’s Out!, a campaigning organisation of LGBT people involved in education. They took their inspiration partly from the United States, where LGBT History Month has been celebrated since 1994. Activities will be taking place in Sheffield and all over the country to celebrate and raise awareness about LGBT issues. LGBT History Month is a time when we can explore and share some hidden aspects of our country’s past, both recent and remote. This hidden history belongs to all of us; it is part of our inheritance. To find out more visit the LGBT History Month Website.
Everyone can take part
LGBT History Month is an opportunity for all of us to learn more about the histories of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people. In the past, the silencing of LGBT people was often reinforced by legislation. The most recent example was Section 28, passed in 1988, which was intended to restrict debate on ‘homosexuality’, particularly in schools.
An end to silence
Since 1997 the position of LGBT people has improved in Britain as a result of human rights legislation. Section 28 was repealed in 2003. A Civil Partnership Act has been established for same sex couples. Now we need to deal with the legacy of silence. This is not only in the interests of LGBT people but of our whole society. Silence can breed ignorance and embarrassment; at worst, hostility and hate crimes. Together, we can break through the silence and help to end the sense of isolation and bewilderment felt by many LGBT people. We can make bullying unacceptable.
Understanding who we are
Throughout history we can find many examples of people who refused to conform to the outward signs of the sex to which they were born. We also find many stories of people who loved their own sex. Some of these people were famous or obscure. Some of them experienced serious persecution. Some are remembered for the contributions they made to our culture and society. Their personal lives have often been suppressed or censored. To understand our present and imagine our future, we must first gain insight into our past. This is true of us as individuals; it is also true of societies.
Events in Sheffield
Exhibitions in Sheffield Town Hall and Howden House throughout February from the Sheffield LGBT Multi Agency Group
Showroom cinema film showing February 14th ‘Beautiful Thing’
7 Paternoster Row, Sheffield, S1 2BX, 0114 275 7727
Sheffield Libraries, archives and information LGBT research pamphlet to be put on the council website from February www.sheffield.gov.uk
Contact Pete Evans on 2039397 or email pete.evans@sheffield.gov.uk
Sheffield Council staff LGBT Network Meeting, February 28th Contact Claire Donnelly on 27 35736 or email claire.donnelly@sheffield.gov.uk
For more information contact Kate Flannery at Sheffield City Council on
27 35090 or email kate.flannery@sheffield.gov.uk
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