The MPA Celebrates LGBT History Month UK: Activism and Social Change
Date
Written by the DEI, CSR and Wellbeing Team
LGBT History Month, celebrated in February in the UK, is a time to reflect on the history, struggles, and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. This month honours the achievements of those who have fought for equality and social justice while also recognising the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBT+ community. By exploring key figures, movements, and strategies for improvement, we can understand the past and work toward a more inclusive future.
The Birth of Activism: Early Struggles and Key Figures
LGBT activism in the UK has a long and complex history, dating back to the days when homosexuality was criminalised. In the 19th century, figures such as Oscar Wilde brought attention to the persecution of gay men. Wilde’s 1895 trial and subsequent imprisonment for “gross indecency” became a symbol of societal oppression, sparking debates about sexuality and morality that reverberate to this day.
In the early 20th century, the seeds of organised activism began to take root. Edward Carpenter, a poet and early gay rights advocate, was among the first to publicly challenge Victorian norms, promoting ideas about same-sex love as natural and meaningful. Carpenter’s writings inspired a generation of activists and set the stage for more formal movements.
The decriminalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales in 1967 (and later in Scotland and Northern Ireland) marked a turning point. While far from complete liberation, it allowed the LGBT+ community to organise more openly. This period saw the rise of influential groups such as the Gay Liberation Front (GLF), which formed in 1970 and emphasised radical activism, challenging societal norms, and advocating for visibility and acceptance.
The Fight for Rights: The 1980s and Beyond
The 1980s were a turbulent time for LGBT+ rights in the UK. The HIV/AIDS crisis brought widespread stigma, with gay and bisexual men bearing the brunt of discrimination. Activist groups like ACT UP London and Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) emerged as powerful forces of resistance. LGSM, famously depicted in the 2014 film Pride, exemplified how solidarity across movements can bring about change. Their partnership with striking miners not only provided mutual support but also challenged stereotypes, helping to foster broader acceptance.
Another critical moment in the 1980s was the introduction of Section 28 in 1988, a law that prohibited the “promotion of homosexuality” by local authorities. This law had a chilling effect on LGBT+ education and representation in schools. Activists, including Peter Tatchell, organised protests, campaigns, and public demonstrations to oppose Section 28, which remained in place until its repeal in 2003. Tatchell’s decades-long activism, through organisations like OutRage! continues to be a cornerstone of the LGBT+ rights movement in the UK.
The 1990s and 2000s saw significant legislative advancements, including the equalisation of the age of consent, the repeal of Section 28, and the introduction of civil partnerships in 2004. Activists such as Angela Mason, who led Stonewall for many years, played a pivotal role in these successes. Stonewall, founded in 1989, has been instrumental in lobbying for LGBT+ rights, focusing on legal equality and public acceptance.
Modern-Day Activism: Visibility and Intersectionality
In recent years, the LGBT+ rights movement in the UK has expanded to address issues of intersectionality, recognising that race, gender identity, disability, and socioeconomic status all influence experiences of discrimination. Activists like Munroe Bergdorf, a Black transgender model and advocate, have highlighted the unique challenges faced by transgender and non-binary individuals, particularly those from marginalised communities. Bergdorf’s work emphasises the need for inclusive feminism and anti-racism within the LGBT+ movement.
Another key figure in contemporary activism is Lady Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, the co-founder of UK Black Pride. This annual event celebrates LGBT+ people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic heritage and their contributions, addressing the need for spaces that acknowledge the intersection of race and sexuality. Lady Phyll’s advocacy underscores the importance of community-specific initiatives that ensure everyone feels represented and valued.
Visibility has also been bolstered by cultural figures such as Russell Tovey, Olly Alexander, and Juno Dawson, who use their platforms to challenge stereotypes and foster understanding. Media representation, from TV shows like It’s a Sin to documentaries about transgender lives, has played a critical role in shaping public perceptions and promoting empathy.
Challenges Ahead: How We Can Make Things Better
Despite significant progress, the LGBT+ community in the UK continues to face challenges. Transgender rights remain a contentious issue, with debates around gender recognition, healthcare, and inclusion in public spaces dominating headlines. Hate crimes against LGBT+ individuals have also risen in recent years, highlighting the persistence of prejudice and the need for continued vigilance.
To address these challenges and create a more equitable society, several steps can be taken:
- Education and Awareness: Schools play a vital role in shaping attitudes. Comprehensive LGBT-inclusive education can help dismantle stereotypes and foster understanding from a young age. Organisations like Stonewall’s School & College Champions program provide resources to make schools safer and more inclusive.
- Legal Protections: Strengthening legal protections for transgender individuals, particularly in healthcare and employment, is crucial. The Gender Recognition Act needs reform to make the process of legally changing one’s gender more accessible and less intrusive.
- Mental Health Support: The mental health needs of the LGBT+ community, especially young people, must be prioritised. Initiatives like Mermaids, which supports transgender youth, and MindOut, a mental health service for LGBT+ people, provide crucial lifelines but require more funding and public awareness.
- Allyship and Advocacy: Allies have a significant role to play in amplifying LGBT+ voices and challenging prejudice. Whether by calling out discriminatory behaviour, supporting LGBT+ businesses, or participating in Pride events, allies can contribute to a culture of acceptance.
- Representation in Leadership: Ensuring diverse representation in politics, media, and other sectors helps challenge stereotypes and create role models for future generations. Leaders like Ruth Hunt, the former CEO of Stonewall, demonstrate how visibility can drive change.
- Intersectional Approaches: The movement must continue to address intersectional issues, ensuring that no one is left behind. This includes recognising the unique challenges faced by LGBT+ refugees, disabled people, and those from religious or ethnic minority backgrounds.
Inspiring Examples of Change
Local initiatives often provide some of the most inspiring examples of activism and progress. For instance, Birmingham Pride has expanded its programming to include forums on LGBT+ mental health and workshops on combating hate crimes. Similarly, grassroots organisations like The Outside Project, the UK’s first LGBT+ homeless shelter, address critical gaps in services.
Community-led efforts like Trans Pride Brighton offer spaces for celebration and solidarity, proving that visibility can be a powerful tool for change. These initiatives remind us that activism takes many forms, from large-scale protests to quiet acts of support and kindness.
LGBT History Month UK is not just a celebration of progress but a reminder of the work that remains. By honouring activists like Oscar Wilde, Peter Tatchell, Munroe Bergdorf, and Lady Phyll, we acknowledge their contributions while recognising the ongoing struggles faced by the community. Through education, advocacy, and a commitment to intersectionality, we can continue the fight for equality, ensuring that everyone has the freedom to live authentically and without fear.
The story of LGBT+ activism in the UK is one of resilience and hope. As we reflect on the past and look toward the future, let us remember that change is possible when we stand together and demand a better world for all.
Resources
https://lgbtplushistorymonth.co.uk/lgbt-history-month-2025/
https://www.thepinknews.com/2025/02/03/lgbt-history-month-2025-uk-us-date-theme/
https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/lgbt-history-month-2025/
Next BeYOU Employee Network Meeting Dates: 18/02/25 and 25/02/25
If you would like to join our BeYOU (LGBTQIA+ and Allies) Employee Network, please contact:
Helen Choudhury
Head of DEI, CSR and Wellbeing
[email protected]
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