Celebrating UK LGBT+ History Month: Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future

Every February across the UK, we mark LGBT+ History Month; a dedicated time to highlight the rich, diverse histories and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and other LGBT+ people. It’s a moment to educate, reflect, celebrate and challenge ongoing prejudice in our communities, workplaces, schools and public life.

Origins and Purpose

LGBT+ History Month in the UK was founded in 2004 by Schools OUT UK, an LGBT+ education charity committed to #educatingOUTprejudice and “usualising” LGBT+ lives in educational settings and beyond. The first UK History Month took place in February 2005, about 18 months after the repeal of Section 28 - a deeply harmful law that had banned local authorities and schools from “promoting homosexuality” in England and Wales. The month was established to create a space where LGBT+ histories could be claimed, celebrated and used to inspire future generations.

Today, LGBT+ History Month is for everyone from individuals, schools, universities, museums, workplaces, community groups and allies. It is marked by events, talks, exhibitions, workshops and celebrations that elevate LGBT+ stories and contributions across time and society.

The Purpose of LGBT+ History Month

At its heart, LGBT+ History Month seeks to:

• Raise awareness of LGBT+ histories and lived experiences

• Increase visibility of LGBT+ people in public life, education and cultural narratives

• Combat prejudice and challenge stereotypes that persist today

• Inspire a future where LGBT+ people are seen, heard and valued in every sphere of life

These aims are rooted in the idea that history isn’t just about the past — it helps shape how people see themselves and their place in society today. Without inclusive history, LGBT+ people can feel erased or invisible; this month helps correct that imbalance.

UK LGBT+ History Month 2026: Theme — Science & Innovation

The 2026 theme for UK LGBT+ History Month is Science & Innovation; a focus that brings into sharp relief the intersections between LGBT+ lives and the worlds of science, research and discovery.

Why this theme matters

Science and innovation are woven into everyday life — from healthcare and technology to environmental solutions and data that shapes public policy. Yet in many historical and contemporary accounts, LGBT+ contributions to science and innovation remain invisible or overlooked. The 2026 theme aims to:

• Celebrate LGBT+ scientists, technologists and innovators, past and present

• Raise awareness of how LGBT+ people have helped shape scientific progress

• Highlight both progress and harm, recognising that science has sometimes been misused to marginalise LGBT+ people through pathologisation and discrimination

• Encourage inclusive representation and role models in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) and related fields

This theme underscores that queer people have always existed in science and that recognising their achievements helps broaden who we see as an innovator and leader.

Examples of featured figures

Each year, LGBT+ History Month highlights five historical figures aligned with the theme. For 2026, featured individuals include:

• Barbara Burford, a medical researcher central to NHS equality and diversity guidelines

• Charles Beyer, a locomotive engineer and founding member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers

• Elke Mackenzie, a botanist known for research on Antarctic lichens

• Jemma Redmond, a biotechnologist pioneering 3D bioprinting of tissues and organs

• Robert Boyle, a founder of modern chemistry and scientific method

These figures help demonstrate the breadth and depth of LGBT+ contributions to scientific thought and practice.

The Broader Context

Understanding the theme also means acknowledging how science was historically weaponised against LGBT+ people. For example, through medicalisation of sexual orientation or gender identity, or biased research that labelled queer lives as abnormal. The 2026 focus encourages reflection on such harm as part of a broader commitment to evidence-based progress and inclusion.

How UK LGBT+ History Month is Celebrated

Across schools, workplaces, libraries and communities, LGBT+ History Month is marked by a range of activities including:

• Talks, workshops and film screenings

• Exhibitions and public history projects

• Classroom resources, debates and educational programmes

• Celebration of LGBT+ innovators and changemakers

• Campaigns promoting inclusion and visibility

Organisations like Schools OUT provide free resources and support to help embed the

month’s theme into celebrations and learning activities.

Why LGBT+ History Still Matters

Despite significant progress in rights and visibility, many LGBT+ people still face discrimination, erasure and misunderstanding. LGBT+ History Month helps centre:

• Stories that have been marginalised

• Role models who inspire younger generations

• Conversations that challenge prejudice and misinformation

• Collective reflection on how far we’ve come (and how far we still need to go)

Honouring both historical struggles and achievements contributes to a more inclusive society where all LGBT+ lives are acknowledged, understood and respected.