LGBTQ+ History Month 2024

LGBTQ+ History Month is a celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and non-binary history and the remembrance of people who pioneered those changes, such as Karl Heinrich Ulrichs who actively campaigned for sexual and gender identity rights in the late 19^th century.

The month of February is a dedicated reminder to everyone, inside and outside of the LGBTQ+ community, that there is a need to actively celebrate, educate, and understand LGBTQ+ history for the betterment of everyone.

History

Rodney Wilson, an American school teacher, originally thought there should be a month dedicated to the recognition, celebration, and teaching of LGBTQ+ history.

In 1994, Wilson gathered teachers and leaders and explained the gap in knowledge about LGBTQ+ icons, and history, and the importance of filling that gap in schools. This led to the USA celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month in October indefinitely.

In 2004, Schools Out founded the UK LGBTQ+ History Month, first celebrated in February 2005 with similar aims to reclaim LGBTQ+ history, celebrate the present, and create a better future for LGBTQ+ people.

Why is it important?

For years, LGBTQ+ and its history have been absent from school curriculums and mainstream media, left to be forgotten or only focusing on negative aspects, leading to the spread of bias, misinformation, and prejudice.

LGBTQ+ History Month was created to bring awareness to LGBTQ+ people and reflect on its history, creating a better, and more educated future for everyone, especially LGBTQ+ people.

It is essential to raise awareness and promote understanding of the adversity, prejudice and struggles LGBTQ+ people have faced throughout history to combat bias and prejudice, and to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ people.

Mental Health and LGBTQ+ people

Evidence suggests that mental health problems are more common among the LGBTQ+ community.

It’s important to remember that being part of the LGBTQ+ community doesn’t mean you will automatically experience mental health issues. However, LGBTQ+ people face significant barriers compared to their heterosexual counterparts, such as discrimination and harassment.

Already present bias and prejudice towards the LGBTQ+ community creates a higher risk of developing poor mental health, further highlighting the need to celebrate and understand the importance of LGBTQ+ history.

Theme for 2024

The theme for 2024 LGBTQ+ History Month is medicine #UnderTheScope, focusing on the LGBTQ+ people who have made significant contributions to the field of medicine and healthcare.

The month will be a reminder to those LGBTQ+ people who have changed the field of medicine for the betterment of LGBTQ+ people and those who courageously fought healthcare inequalities, which many LGBTQ+ people still face today.

The workplace, LGBTQ+, and mental health

Stonewall reported that one in ten LGBTQ+ people have experienced barriers to progression in the workplace and one in eight LGBTQ+ people don’t feel able to disclose their identity to their colleagues.

Everyone is responsible for doing their part towards inclusivity. However, as a leader, it is your role to implement policies, offer initiatives, provide training, and promote an inclusive workplace culture.

Safeguarding and protecting your people’s mental wellbeing should be a top priority for any leader. It’s not only beneficial for the betterment of your people but also great for your organisation’s growth.

How can leaders create safer workplace environments for LGBTQ+ colleagues?

1. Training

Being informed is essential. It’s the backbone of the LGBTQ+ History month movement.

Making sure your people are updated with news, relevant policies, and why it is important to support inclusivity. Set up dedicated training sessions that properly informs your colleagues of the history and tackles any questions your people may have around the topic.

Training your people to be aware is paramount in combatting bias, prejudice, and will allow your LGBTQ+ people feel accepted, understood, and comfortable.

2. Policies

Make sure your inclusion policy is robust, ensuring integrity and fairness are upheld should any issues arise. Having policies and procedures allows your colleagues to fully understand your expectations and guidelines. 

Discrimination of any kind should not be tolerated, regardless of who is being discriminated against, and these matters should be dealt with fairly and promptly. All allegations of discrimination and harassment should be taken seriously.

3. Create a safe place to talk about mental health

Having a good workplace culture around talking is essential in combatting poor mental health.

Create comfortable and dedicated spaces so your people can discuss any worries they may have. Make sure this space is private enough to talk about sensitive topics and that you are ready and willing to listen to your people.

Actively signpost and encourage your people to use these spaces when they need.

4. Celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month

It is important to celebrate LGBTQ+ History within the office. It shows you and your organisation cares about inclusivity, diversity, and your LGBTQ+ people and communities.

Here are some simple yet affective ways to celebrate LGBTQ+ history month:

• Organise and plan interactive and fun activities to encourage learning about LGBTQ+ history, such as a creating a quiz to enhance knowledge.
• Invite LGBTQ+ speakers to discuss the month and allow your people to be able to ask any questions they may have.
• Share resources, like LGBTQ+ books, articles, and films, around the office.
  
  

Supporting your organisation's mental health challenges

With a Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), we can offer you practical advice and support when it comes to dealing with anxiety, and depression, and how to improve your work-life balance.

Our EAP provides guidance and supports your employees with their mental health in the workplace and at home. We can help you create a safe, productive workspace that supports all.

We support your employee's mental wellbeing with any problems they might be facing in their professional or personal lives with our 24-hour counselling helpline.

Find out more about EAPs