Recognising the People Who Paved the Way
LGBTQ+ History Month gives us the opportunity to honour the activists, carers, campaigners, and everyday heroes whose actions helped to create safer, fairer, and more inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ people. Many of these individuals took significant personal risks, often facing hostility, criminalisation, stigma, or isolation in order to stand up for dignity and equality.
We will be recognising both nationally known figures and local heroes whose contributions may not always appear in history books but whose impact has been deeply felt within communities. By sharing their stories, we acknowledge the foundations on which today’s LGBTQ+ rights, services, and community spaces have been built.
Honouring our heroes is also about recognising that progress has never been guaranteed it has been fought for, protected, and carried forward through collective courage and care.
Learning From Our LGBTQ+ History
Understanding LGBTQ+ history is essential to understanding the realities many people still face today. Too often, LGBTQ+ experiences have been erased, misunderstood, or misrepresented, leaving gaps in knowledge that contribute to stigma and inequality.
Throughout LGBTQ+ History Month, we will be sharing educational content that explores key moments in LGBTQ+ history, highlights lesser-known stories, and challenges common myths and assumptions. This includes recognising the diversity of LGBTQ+ identities and experiences, and the ways they intersect with race, disability, faith, migration, class, and HIV.
These posts are designed to inform, empower, and encourage reflection, helping to build greater understanding and compassion across communities and services.
Building Knowledge, Inclusion, and Safer Spaces
Education plays a vital role in creating environments where LGBTQ+ people feel safe, respected, and valued. As part of LGBTQ+ History Month, we are promoting our LGBTQ+ Matters Training, which supports organisations and professionals to develop meaningful, inclusive practice.
The training explores LGBTQ+ identities, lived experiences, and the impact of stigma and discrimination, with a focus on practical steps that can be taken to improve inclusion and support. It is particularly relevant for those working in health, social care, community services, education, and voluntary organisations.
By investing in learning and reflection, organisations can help ensure that LGBTQ+ people are met with understanding, dignity, and compassion at every point of contact.
Stories from our community
We have collected and shared stories from across our LGBTQ+ community to amplify lived experiences, celebrate resilience, and ensure voices are heard on their own terms. These stories have been shared voluntarily by individuals who want to contribute to greater understanding, visibility, and change.
By centring real experiences, we aim to challenge stigma, build empathy, and create a space where people feel seen, valued, and less alone. Each story is handled with care, respect, and consent, reflecting our commitment to trust, dignity, and community connection.
