LGBT History Month Pre-launch @ British Museum

By Nicolas Chinardet Last edited 173 months ago
LGBT History Month Pre-launch @ British Museum

LGBTHM.jpg
logo for the 6th edition of the Month
The recent campaign for a posthumous official apology to code-breaker and computer genius, Alan Turing for the treatment he received because of his homosexuality has thrown into sharp relief the lack of visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people in history and in society.

In 2004, in an attempt to remedy this and as a tool to fight homophobic bullying in schools (still a major problem), the campaigning group Schools OUT created LGBT History Month which was modeled on Black History Month (October in the UK).

Following the aims of the Month, which takes place in February in the UK, individuals, schools and organisations are invited to organise events to celebrate the achievements of the LGBT community and reclaim its history.

Each year, a "pre-launch" event is organised in London, as a way to kick start the count-down to the next edition of the Month. Previous venues include Tate Modern, an Anglican school in Hackney and the Royal Courts of Justice. This year's event, which takes place during National Anti-bullying Week, will be that little bit more special. Not only is it taking place at the British Museum but it will also cover a whole day.

The morning will see a tour of the galleries with local schools children highlighting artefacts of LGBT history, while the afternoon will focus on sharing information, ideas and tips, between professionals, on how to organise events. Teachers will be able to attend a special surgery and ask questions on the best way to bring the Month into their school.

Finally, the evening will be the time of the formal pre-launch with speakers including Trevor Phillips, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Rt. Hon. Ben Bradshaw MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport, and Michael Cashman MEP.

The event, which takes place on 19 November, is free and open to all, although booking is required.

Last Updated 19 October 2009