Celebrating LGBT+ History Month
For a very long time, LGBT+ people’s history has been hidden and the contributions LGBT + people and communities have made to UK society overlooked. LGBT+ History Month gives us another opportunity to put the record straight. It enables us to celebrate the achievements and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and non-binary (LGBT+) people and highlight the ongoing struggles and discrimination they face.
In the United Kingdom LGBT+ History month is celebrated in February.
Visit their website for free downloadable resources, including social media banners for your Facebook or X page, as well as the Voices, which you could display on your workplace noticeboard together with Usdaw’s poster.
What LGBT+ History Month means to you
Usdaw speaks to its LGBT+ activists to find out what LGBT+ History Month means to them and why it’s so important.
Kevin Perryman
LGBT+ history month means a lot to myself as I’m sure it does to a lot of other LGBT+ people around the world. It’s important to remember those who fought, at a great personal cost, for the rights we have today. It’s important not only to recognise their achievements but also learn from past struggles.
LGBT+ people can face discrimination in their working lives from colleagues, customers and company policies and procedures. However, the LGBT+ community can find solidarity under the trade union banner. By coming together as union members, we can bring about a fairer society for all.
I became involved in the union because I have a strong belief in equality. Everyone has the right to love who they want, without prejudice. I’ve been on the receiving end of discrimination and know the detrimental effect this can have on a person’s life and mental wellbeing. That’s why I wanted to help and support others. The Union has allowed me to pursue my passion and has given me a great opportunity help make someone’s working life better.
LGBT+ Rights At Work
As a result of many years of campaigning by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) organisations and trade unions, LGBT+ workers now enjoy the same rights at work as their heterosexual (straight) colleagues.
Read our advice leaflet on LGBT+ rights at work.
Rights for LGBT+ Parents
Over the last two decades legal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT+) parents have changed beyond recognition.
LGBT+ parents now enjoy the same rights at work as heterosexual parents.
Find out about the changes in rights in our advice leaflet for Usdaw members.
Together Against Hate
LGBT+ hate crime is rising. Find out more about our Together Against Hate campaign and get information on how to run a campaign in your workplace.