LGBT+ History Month 2023: What is it, why is it celebrated in February and how to get involved?

Celebrations for LGBT+ History Month have been impacted by the pandemic for too long, but now is an ideal time to get involved. Founded in the 90s, the month-long celebration aims to increase the visibility of the entire LGBT+ community and its indispensable history.

The event is observed by many different countries across the globe including US, Brazil, and Hungary but often celebrated in different months. The UK marks February on the calendar and there is an important meaning behind the date.

The ‘Behind the Lens’ theme for 2023 raises awareness around the brave, revolutionary and often underappreciated contribution LGBT+ people have made toward the world of film. The collaborative efforts of film allow the opportunity to appreciate LGBT+ designers, writers, artists, musicians, and choreographers as well as directors and actors.

Visibility of LGBT+ people in the media continues to grow and LGBT+ History Month provides a platform for those in the past who weren’t granted the same privilege or opportunities but were still essential to the acceptance of queer individuals today.

Here’s everything you need to know about LGBT+ History Month 2023 in the UK including what it is, why it’s held in February, and how to get involved.

What is LGBT+ History Month?

LGBT+ History Month is an annual month-long event held to celebrate queer history and LGBT+ people. The event is different from Pride which is held in June as it shines a spotlight on LGBT+ history rather than focusing on contemporary issues the LGBTQI+ community face.

The first LGBT+ History Month celebration in the UK was held in 2005 by the charity Schools OUT UK. The month-long celebration is about encouraging education about LQBTQI+ history, in and out of schools.

Why is LGBT+ History Month in the UK held in February?

February was initially chosen to coincide with the 2003 month the draconian Section 28 law was abolished from UK law. The law, enacted in 1988, prevented local authorities from promoting homosexuality and “publishing material with the intention of promoting homosexuality.”