Wishing all members of the LGBT+ community a happy Pride month this June from all the team at Arcus LGBT. Hope you are free and able to celebrate it however you choose as we come together to make ourselves visible. Taking time to reflect on the history of LGBT+ struggles, recognise how far we’ve come, and showing our determination to move forward.
What is LGBT+ History Month?
LGBT+ History Month was founded in 2005 by the charity Schools OUT to mark the anniversary of the abolition of Section 28. It is a time to celebrate LGBTQ+ culture, achievements, while remembering the struggles and activism that paved the way for progress over the years.
A brief history of LGBTQ+ rights in the UK
Remembering some of the changes in the law to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people. These include:
- The repeal of Section 28: We were founded in direct response to Section 28, the homophobic legislation that prevented young people learning about homosexuality in schools. It took twelve years in Scotland and 14 years in England and Wales to overturn this law.
- Equalising the age of consent: The Sexual Offences Amendment Act (2001) lowered the age of consent for gay and bi men to 16, aligning the age of consent with heterosexuals. After 35 years of inequality, this was a huge victory!
- Lifting the ban on military service: Until 2000, LGBTQ+ people were banned from the British military, often dismissed or stripped of medals.
- Marriage equality: The Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Act 2013 made history by legalising same-sex marriage in England and Wales. Scotland joined the movement in 2014, but Ireland didn’t achieve marriage equality until 2020. These changes were landmark victories for LGBTQ+ rights, and they represented more than just the right to marry – it was about recognition, dignity, and equality.
- The right for LGBTQ+ couples to adopt: The Adoption and Children Act came into effect in 2002 and allowed unmarried couples, including LGBTQ+ couples, to apply for joint adoption.
We’re proud of the changes through history LGBT+ people and Allies have helped to make. But there’s still a long way to go.
Why LGBT+ History Month matters
Despite progress it’s important to acknowledge the gap between legislative change and cultural change.
- LGBTQ+ students are twice as likely to have been bullied in the previous year compared with non-LGBTQ+ peers (Just Like Us, 2021)
- 51% of LGBTQ+ people would not feel comfortable living in retirement housing without LGBTQ+ specific considerations (LGBT Foundation, 2020)
- 37% of LGBTQ+ respondents said they “had experienced discrimination by someone else’s behaviour, attitudes or language while exercising or trying to exercise” (YouGov, 2026)
Despite the progress made towards LGBTQ+ equality throughout history, and with the current shift in anti-LGBTQ+ feeling across the world, the fight for equality is far from over. People in the LGBTQ+ community still face discrimination and exclusion. Globally, we are in the midst of a cultural backlash and moral panic. It is a time of regressive laws, curtailing freedoms and the rise of populist movements. LGBT+ History Month remains important for building awareness and inclusion around LGBTQ+ issues, because we are reminded that yet again that hard won rights are not always secure. We are undoubtedly in another period of turbulence.
Continuing to advocate for LGBT+ issues and inclusion
We hope this pride month is one of continued celebration and solidarity. While we reflect on the history of pride and recognise that the struggles of the past have seen tremendous progress on LGBT+ issues, that progress is only won through continued effort, the maintenance and struggles of the future are still ongoing, and in places around the world there are still too few safe spaces for people to live as their authetic selves and find their communities. Look for those already doing the work and support their efforts, get involved in helping LGBT+ people and places thrive, the future is still unwritten and it will take everyones efforts to make that world a better place.
Article heavy influenced by https://www.stonewall.org.uk/resources/lgbtq-hubs/lgbt-history-month