Hundreds of events planned for LGBT History Month
The fifth annual LGBT History Month looks set to be the biggest ever with hundreds of events planned nationwide.
Among the planned events is a consultation on dealing with homophobic harassment and bullying in Cornish schools on February 1 and a conference on LGBT refugees on February 4 in West Ealing.
History Month, which takes place throughout February, was started back in 2005 by the LGBT campaigning group Schools Out.
It has grown to become one of the biggest events in the LGBT diary.
The calendar of events is aimed at promoting equality and combating prejudice within the LGBT community.
Below is just a taster of some of the events held across the country.
London –
FYI Radio is hosting a special event for young people looking at politics and LGBT representation in politics throughout history.
Deputy Mayor of London Richard Barnes will be put in the hot seat to take questions along with leading LGBT rights campaigner Peter Tatchell. The event takes place on February 7 at City Hall.
On the same day the Schools OUT Annual Conference will be held at the Drill Hall.
It will explore and discuss LGBT issues in education, youth work and this year discover what the chidren’s charities are doing for LGBT youth.
North/ North East / North West –
Highlights include an exhibition looking at life at sea for gay men, the annual Leeds LGBT fair and an evening with NBA superstar John Amaechi on life as a gay basketball player.
East Midlands / West Midlands –
Events include Let’s Get it Straight, an event aimed at straight work colleagues to raise awareness of how their attitude and behaviour can impact in the workplace and a performance of Revelations! by Birmingham’s gay theatre group.
East Anglia –
Various exhibitions and displays will be available to the public throughout the month along with historical debates including women in novels and Victorian transgender issues.
Scotland –
The Jewel and Esk College are planning a month-long campaign raising awareness and promoting the work of the LGBT community there.
Wales –
Welsh Gay Talent are hosting a showcase of LGBT talent to help raise money for the LGBT Excellence Centre based there along with a youth conference aimed at charting LGBT history.
For the full calendar of events log onto www.lgbthistorymonth.org.uk.
