LGBT+ History Month
Each February, LGBT+ History Month is celebrated across the UK, increasing the visibility of LGBT+ History. Through education and advocacy, the month aims to empower people to create environments where all LGBT+ people feel safe, seen and supported.
This year’s theme is Science and Innovation, offering the opportunity to explore the remarkable contributions of LGBT+ scientists, researchers, and innovators throughout history. From groundbreaking discoveries to technological advances, LGBT+ individuals have been at the forefront of scientific progress, often overcoming significant barriers to make their mark on the world.
Along with celebrating these achievements, this month we’re looking at ways we can be better allies to the LGBTQIA+ community and support LGBT+ people in STEM fields today. There are lots of ways you can show your support this month. Below is a summary of useful resources and ways you can get involved.
Listen and Learn
Challenge and Change
Our voices are powerful tools in changing attitudes and fostering acceptance. As a charity, we continually strive to be as inclusive as possible for our colleagues and the people we support and can create change through our policies and the support we offer.
Show Up and Support
Join our Colleague Inclusion Networks or attend events and discussions. Be present, be involved, and let your actions show your commitment to equality. Show your support within the organisation with our very special LGBT+ History Month Teams background. Download Here
Colleague Inclusion Network – Our LGBTQIA+ network meets monthly to discuss topics that impact the community within the charity and wider society. Driving positive change from influencing policies to helping to create future initiatives. Whether you are a member of the community or an ally, all colleagues are welcome to join our Colleague Inclusion Networks.
Registering is easy, just email ColleagueInclusionNetworks@c-i-c.co.uk to express your interest in joining the next meeting, and also the discussion of the Teams channel. By joining, you can help to make our charity an even more diverse and inclusive place.
Events – There are lots of events taking place across the county, celebrating LGBT+ History Month. Why not check out the official events calendar and see if there’s an event near you that you could attend on your own, with friends and family or accompanying the people you support? Click here to view the calendar. Click here to view the calendar.
Share the Message
Use your platform – big or small – to spread awareness. Engage with the people you support to help them learn more about LGBT+ History Month and the inspiring stories of LGBT+ scientists and innovators. Together, we can all build momentum for positive change. Celebrate and learn together with our below resources.
LGBT+ History Month Activity Sheet – We understand how important expression through art is, so we’ve put together this downloadable template for you to share with the people you support. Simply print it off and make your mark, showing support for the LGBT+ community in a creative way. The people we support can create beautiful artwork celebrating LGBT+ scientists and innovators or representing what LGBT+ History Month means to them. Download Here
LBGT+ History Month Easy Read – If you’re looking to engage the people we support in LGBT+ History Month, this easy read by United Response from a few years ago provides an overview of the month, LGBT+ history and why it is recognised. Download Here