LGBT+ History Month is an initiative aimed at celebrating LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and plus) people and increasing their visibility. It takes places every February with a different theme, this year’s being ‘Body, Mind, Spirit’.
A statement from Transform
As we enter LGBT+ History Month, Chief Executive of Transform Housing & Support, Lawrence Santcross reflects on how the key objectives of this annual campaign closely align to Transform’s main purpose.
“LGBT+ History Month is about promoting and celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people – their history, lives and experiences. It’s also about keeping equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of all organisations so that everyone, regardless of background, sexuality or gender identity are able to contribute fully to society and lead fulfilled lives,” he explained.
“Transform’s purpose is to support people, many of whom are marginalised or discriminated against in society, to lead independent and fulfilling lives. Our aims couldn’t match more perfectly.”
Transform’s Director of People Simone Bartley agreed and said the organisation was striving to create an environment where people’s different perspectives were respected and valued.
“We want to ensure all our colleagues have equal opportunities and all members of the Transform community – including clients – feel fully included and accepted for who they are,” she added.
Transform is committed to ensuring its equality, diversity and inclusion policy is a living document which provides a framework to continually improve practices across the organisation.
The origins of LGBT+ History Month
LGBT+ History Month was founded by Sue Sanders, Chair of the charity Schools OUT UK, and Paul Patrick, who was the co-Chair.
They chose the month of February to coincide with the abolition of Section 28 in 2003. This clause, enacted in 1988 as part of the Local Government Act, stated that local authorities could not ‘intentionally promote homosexuality or publish materials with the intention of promoting homosexuality.'
Writer and journalist Matthew Todd reflects on Section 28's impact in this excellent BBC Newsnight video.
What does Transform have planned this month?
As Transform grows to support more clients, it is important we take extra steps to uphold our inclusivity and diversity commitments.
This month, we are sharing LGBT+ content with Transform colleagues and holding two internal workshops led by Miles Lanham, the Founder of HouseProud. We hope that colleagues will find these workshops educational and inspiring.
Some online talks you can attend
Below is a short list of online talks you can attend if you would like to learn more about LGBT+ History Month and the LGBT+ community.
HouseProud celebrates LGBT+ History Month
Thursday 4 February, 5.30pm – 7pm
This free HouseProud event is led by Professor Sue Sanders, who is the founder of LGBT+ History Month. She will speak about the initiative's foundation and why it is still important today.
Building the House of Stonewall
Tuesday 16 February, 9.30am – 1pm
This event will focus on issues faced by LGBT+ colleagues and customers in social housing, with a spotlight on organisations currently working in this space.
The Prince's Trust Talks: LGBT+ History Month – Celebrating the Community
Thursday 25 February, 11am – 12 noon
This free event will feature Paul Martin OBE (Chief Executive at LGBT Foundation), Nicky Friensener (Policy Recruiter at Facebook) and Joseph Harwood (Young Ambassador at The Prince's Trust).
They will speak about diversity and inclusion in the workplace, with an emphasis on the LGBT+ community.
Find us on social media
Our social media platforms, linked at the bottom of this page, will be updated once a week with relevant resources and recommendations. Happy LGBT+ History Month!
