Why is LGBT+ History Month important?
LGBT+ History Month is a chance for us to share knowledge, and reflect on all the LGBT+ people and defining moments throughout history that have brought us to where we are today.
At MAP, one of our core values is working for social justice, and challenging prejudice and oppression. We know that taking time to reflect on LGBT+ history is an important part of this, since LGBT+ people’s stories have been ignored or sometimes deliberately excluded in many ways throughout history.
In 1988, legislation was passed that stopped teachers speaking about same-sex relationships in schools, meaning that it was nearly impossible for pupils to learn about LGBT+ history. In 2003, this legislation called ‘Section 28’ was scrapped, meaning that schools could talk about LGBT+ people and their histories openly, and positively, without fear of losing their job.
Since then, LGBT+ History Month was established by Schools Out, as a way of reminding us of the impact that LGBT+ people have had throughout history, and demonstrating that we need to make an active choice to keep these histories alive after they have been excluded from mainstream education for so long.
This month, we’ll be on Instagram asking you to tell us about LGBT+ people, groups, or moments from history that are important to you. Follow us on Instagram and take a look at what our followers are thinking about during LGBT+ History Month this year.
Support & Resources
- Evolve is MAP’s free, confidential gender identity support service for young people who identify on the broad ‘trans spectrum’ – including intersex people and non-binary people who may or may not also identify as trans, as well as those who are questioning their identity. Access the group by emailing Evolve at [email protected].
- We can offer free, confidential advice and support around any issue you might be facing as a young person in Norfolk. That includes questions around identity, sexuality and gender. If you'd like some support, get in touch at 0800 0744454, email [email protected], or come to one of our Drop-In Centres
Events
Outrageous! The Story of Section 28 - Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library. Join author Paul Baker livestreamed from the British Library as he explores the infamous Section 28 law this LGBTQ+ History Month.
Exploring Gender Dysphoria and Ambiguity in the Queer Self Portrait - Anteros Arts Foundation. Exploring gender dysphoria, masculinities and femininities and an open space to share experiences combined with a portrait drawing workshop.
Norwich Pride have put together a list of loads more LGBT+ events taking place this month! Find more events here.