Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender + (LGBT+) History Month

LGBT+ History Month occurs each February and is a celebration of the history of the LGBT+ community worldwide. 

LGBT+ History Month was founded in 2004, in celebration of the ending of Section 28, a bill that banned local authorities from ‘intentionally promoting homosexuality or publishing material with the intention of promoting homosexuality’ and banned teaching in any school ‘the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship’. This law was intentionally broad and vague to discourage any mention of LGBT+ people in a positive light, especially in schools. 

For LGBT+ History Month 2023 we encourage you to look ‘Behind the Lens’ and listen to LGBT+ peoples’ lived experiences, at a time when LGBT+ lives are more prevalent in the media. 

This year’s theme also celebrates LGBT+ peoples’ contribution to cinema and film from behind the lens. Directors, cinematographers, screen writers, producers, animators, costume designers, special effects, make up artists, lighting directors, musicians, choreographers and beyond.  

You can learn more about the history of gay and lesbian representation in British cinema from author Stephen Bourne here.

Durham Pride will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year on Sunday 28th May. As part of the celebrations, Saturday 27th May sees the launch of ‘Pride in the Armed Forces’. Further details will follow in the coming weeks. In anticipation of this exciting event we have invited Stephen Bourne to visit us to talk about his book 'Fighting Proud' (2017), focussing on gay men's lives in the Second World War, on 20 February at 6.30pm, online. Listen to inspiring stories of bravery, comradeship, tragedy & humour in the Army, Navy & Air Force. Stephen will also be talking about the Home Front & celebrating key figures during that time, such as bandleader Ken ‘Snakehips’ Johnson, who was killed in the London Blitz, and Police Constable Harry Daley, who upheld the law in his professional work but broke it in his private life.

Have you seen a Rainbow?

As part of our LGBT celebrations you will notice that we are flying the Rainbow Flag in the Palatine on the Science Site and at Castle, don't forget to look up and see it!

See how many rainbows you can see during February whether this be working from home, on campus or in the local area. We would love to see your pictures!