The Importance of LGBT+ History Month

February is LGBT+ History Month in the UK! 

LGBT+ History Month is a time for our community to come together and reflect on our progress thus far, acknowledge the trailblazers who have helped us get to this point, and think about where there is room for improvement in current fights for LGBT+ equality. 

We'll be sharing community content throughout LGBT+ History Month. As has been the case with many celebrations and seasons over the last year, this will be a time for the community to celebrate virtually, and reflect on the breakthroughs which have happened already and those that have yet to come.

Why is the UK's LGBT+ history month in February? Why is it separate to Pride season in the summer?

Pride season coincides with the Stonewall riots - a monumental moment for the LGBT+ community, presenting ample time and better weather for festivities throughout the summer in cities around the world. The UK celebrates LGBT+ History Month in February as it coincides with the abolition of Section 28 in the UK in 2003. Section 28 was a law in the UK which prohibited the education on LGBT+ identities and issues surrounding, as it was deemed to be 'promoting' LGBT+ people. 

We asked community trailblazer Juno Dawson to share her thoughts on the importance of LGBT+ history month, and why abolishing Section 28 was such a milestone for the LGBT+ community in the UK. 

Section 28 was a silent curse. I didn't even know what I didn't know. I didn't know the questions to ask. Thatcher's government drew a veil over LGBTQ lives and that silence placed a generation in grave danger: we couldn't discuss our identity, our lives, our safety. I often think how my life would have been different if I'd have had teachers who were able to simply describe the world. I just wish I'd had role models.

Under the rules of Section 28:

Places of education "shall not intentionally promote homosexuality or publish material with the intention of promoting homosexuality" or "promote the teaching in any of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship."

At Jecca Blac, we stand with our community and any progress made to make equality possible for LGBT+ people. As a brand that celebrates all genders, identities and expressions, we look forward to bringing you lots of educational pieces and community content on our social media accounts.

Follow @jeccablac for more!

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