What Is LGBT+ History Month?
In the UK, LGBT+ History Month was founded in 2004 by educators Sue Sanders and Paul Patrick as part of Schools OUT UK, with the first celebration held in February 2005.
The aim of this awareness month is to celebrate LGBT+ communities and educate others around issues that have often been ignored or erased, such as the persecution of LGBT+ people, the HIV/AIDS crisis, or landmark legal changes. It also looks at the importance of raising awareness of ongoing inequalities and challenges faced by individuals and promoting inclusion in workplace, schools, healthcare and communities.
To commemorate LGBT+ History Month a short film screening event, showing the Judith Butler talk: ‘On Gender’ which goes on an in-depth exploration of gender, identity and its definitions in a modern world will be shown at Brighton and Sussex Medical School on Thursday, 5th February from 6 pm to 7:30 pm.
Alongside this talk, two PhD students will be sharing their fantastic LGBTQ+ research as well as an opportunity to network and chat with colleagues.
Book your free spotThe official UK theme for LGBT+ History Month 2026 is “Science and Innovation”
The 2026 theme aims to:
- Highlight the contributions of LGBT+ people in STEM both historical and contemporary whose work has shaped everything from healthcare to engineering and biotechnology.
- Raise awareness of the challenges LGBT+ people have faced within scientific fields, including historical misuse of science to marginalise queer identities.
- Celebrate diversity in scientific teams, emphasising that innovation thrives when a wide range of perspectives are included.