LGBTQ+ History Month takes place annually in February and has been celebrated in the United Kingdom each year since being founded in 2005.
The charity ‘Schools Out’ founded LGBTQ+ History Month to mark the abolition of Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 which prohibited schools and local government promoting homosexuality which was subsequently repealed in 2003 and now in February, Schools Out encourages the celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and the activism that progressed the recognition of LGBTQ+ people throughout the years.
The theme for 2026’s LGBTQ+ History Month is Science and Innovation which aims to draw attention to how data, evidence and research can encourage progress and help reform practices now. The theme is also to recognise LGBTQ+ scientists and innovators.
Under the Equality Act 2010, sexual orientation is a protected characteristic.
The act protects those with the following related protected characteristics from discrimination:
- Gender reassignment
- Being married or being in a civil partnership (in the employment sector)
- Sexual orientation
It is understood that the charity Stonewall found that LGBTQ+ students are twice as likely to have been bullied in the previous year compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers therefore each year, Schools Out aims to support LGBTQ+ individuals and celebrate LGBTQ+ history.
If you feel that you may have been discriminated against as a result of gender reassignment, being married or in a civil partnership, due to your sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic as set out under the Equality Act 2010, please do not hesitate to contact our specialist discrimination law team on 0161 696 6170.
Blog author: Jennifer Wood
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