LGBT+ History Month 2024 - LGBT+ History Month

We are delighted to announce that the UK 2024 LGBT+ History Month theme is:

Medicine – #UnderTheScope

The 2024 theme celebrates LGBT+ peoples’ contribution to the field of Medicine and Healthcare both historically and today.

We want to showcase the amazing work of LGBT+ staff across the NHS and in other healthcare settings, in providing healthcare, especially during the pandemic. Whilst still shining a light on the history of the LGBT+ community’s experience of receiving healthcare which has been extremely complicated leaving LGBT+ people still facing health inequalities even today.

At a time when the LGBT+ community is experiencing a rise in hate crime and hate instances we also encourage you to look ‘Under the Scope’ and listen to LGBT+ peoples’ lived experiences from LGBT+ people.

When you’re planning your events, please remember to include LGBT+ people in all our diversity and add your events to the official LGBT+ calendar. You can easily show your support in person by buying the 2024 Badge and/or lanyard and on social media by including the hashtags: #LGBTplusHM & #UnderTheScope in your post.

We do hope you will join us to celebrate UK LGBT+ History Month 2024.

2024 LGBT+ History Month badge design competition winner

“When I discovered that the theme was medicine, the first thing that came to mind was being protected no matter what and so I expressed this in my badge with the LGBTQ+ flag with a love heart under a stethoscope. This highlights what the LGBTQ+ community has experienced and contributed to throughout history. I am so pleased this design has won, I truly am over the moon” – Alex Gould

What is LGBT+ History Month?

Who is UK LGBT+ History Month for?

LGBT+ History Month is for everyone; whether you work in education, a museum, a library or an art gallery, a business, a service, or are a member of a network/social group or an individual.

When is it celebrated?

It is celebrated every February across the UK and was founded in 2004 by Schools OUT UK co-chairs, Paul Patrick & Professor Emeritus Sue Sanders. It was first celebrated in February 2005.

Why was it founded?

For so long LGBT+ people’s history was hidden, following the repeal of Section 28 (link to Section 28,), UK LGBT+ History Month was created to:

claim our past
celebrate our present
create our future

We wanted to create a dedicated opportunity to share our rich and diverse history so everyone could learn more.

How do we help you celebrate LGBT+ History Month?

Every year Schools OUT sets a different theme for LGBT+ History Month and provides free resources for education settings, businesses, services and organisations to help them celebrate and ‘Usualise’ LGBT+ lives in their full diversity.

Why is it called LGBT+ History Month and not LGBTQ+ History Month?

We wanted to ensure that LGBT+ History Month celebrates LGBTQIA+ communities in all our diversity. We chose to use LGBT+ to include everyone.

We did consider adding Q (Queer) but decided not to as for some of our communities they associate it with a time when Queer was used in a negative way.

Are you on social media?

Yes, follow Schools OUT LGBT+ History month activities on social media, on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube

You can follow Schools OUT on social media on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn & TikTok