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LGBTQ+ History Month 2023

Illustration of Pride flag with a white box and text saying
  • Written byStudent Communications
  • Published date 01 February 2023
Illustration of Pride flag with a white box and text saying
Illustration of Pride flag, 2022 | Illustration: Arts SU

LGBTQ+ History Month takes place across the UK every year to celebrate and commemorate the history of LGBTQ+ rights.Throughout February, we’ll be proudly celebrating and focusing on all things LGBTQ+.

How did it all begin?

LGBTQ+ History Month started back in 2005 in the UK, following an initiative created by teachers Sue Sanders and Paul Patrick. They organised the first British LGBTQ+ History Month as part of a Schools Out UK project, a programme that aims to educate young people about the challenges LGBTQ+ people face and to make schools inclusive for everyone, celebrating all gender identities and orientations. The event was held in February to coincide with the 2003 abolition of Section 28 of the 1988 Local Government Act.

Ever since, events have taken place every February in the UK, focusing on a specific theme.

What’s the theme this year?

The LGBTQ+ History Month 2023 #BehindTheLens theme celebrates LGBTQ+ people’s contribution to cinema and film from behind the lens. This includes directors, cinematographers, screen writers, producers, animators, costume designers, special effects, make-up artists, lighting directors, musicians, choreographers and beyond.

At a time when LGBTQ+ lives are often in the media, we also encourage you to look ‘behind the lens’ and learn about LGBTQ+ people’s lived experiences.

Get involved

If you have any recommendations or content to share on the work of one of your favourite LGBTQ+ directors, cinematographers, screen writers, producers, animators, costume designers, special effects, make-up artists, lighting directors, musicians or choreographers or would like to be involved in our celebration in any way, please contact us at IC@arts.ac.uk.

What have we got planned?

Taboo Tuesdays Being LGBTQ, Tuesday 7 February, 6-8pm