February is here, and there’s plenty of reasons to celebrate: you’ve got through January, it’s the shortest month of the year and it’s also LGBT+ History Month.

Every year, there are tons of excellent events to access online and numerous ways that you can help the community; whether you’re an ally, or you’re LGBTQ+ yourself.

We’ve got what you need to know about LGBT+ History Month, where it started, and how you can get in on the action.

What is LGBT History Month?

LGBT+ History Month in the UK is every February, and in October in the US and Canada.

It’s a celebration that encourages further education into LGBTQ+ issues, the history of the gay rights movement, and promotes an overall safer and more inclusive society where the varied spectrum of sexuality and gender is universally accepted and spoken about openly.

The theme this year is Body, Mind, Spirit.

When did LGBT History Month begin?

The first LGBT History Month happened in the US in 1994, and the UK  didn’t join in until 11 years later in 2005.

It began as a result of a Schools OUT project initiative that started with teachers and activists Sue Sanders and Paul Patrick.

Schools OUT is an organisation which seeks to make schools safe and inclusive for LGBT+ students.

The first LGBT History Month wound up sparking over 150 events across the country in it’s first year, and the rest, as they say, is history.

What does LGBTQIA stand for?

This acronym stands for ‘Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual’.

The first four are fairly common parlance now, however there can be some confusion about the last three.

Questioning simply applies to anyone who is currently in doubt as to their sexual identity.

Intersex applies to anyone who is born with any number of variations in characteristics that can typically be found in both sexes.

These can include sex hormones, genitals and chromosomes that don’t fit the ‘typical’ definition of what is usually seen in men and women.

You can also follow the group on social media to stay updated on queer issues and offer your help when the occasion arises. There are several accounts where you can keep up with the work, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

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