LGBT+ History Month 2022

LGBT+ History Month is a time to reflect on the history, lives and experience of anyone who identifies as LGBTQ+

Use this month to get better informed about this, including having a look at some key dates in the development of lesbian, gay, bi and trans history in terms of social, political and legislative change, representation and visibility.

2022 sees the 50th anniversary of the very first Pride March in the UK in 1972.  At that time, a popular slogan of the early Gay Rights Movement (the idea of the ‘LGBT’ community was some way off) was “the personal is political”, and art is probably the most individual of pastimes.  This is why art was chosen as a theme this year (there is a National Curriculum link to the theme every year).

As part of this theme, five artists (one each to represent the L,G,B,T and ‘+’ of the community) are being featured.  Each of these artists used their talents for “political” ends, or expressed their orientation through their work.

Keith Haring‘s dancing figures are a perfect example as they were used to draw attention to the growing AIDS crisis of the early 1980s.

Doris Brabham Hatt and Fiore de Henriquez both fought against fascism in the 1930s.

Jean-Michel Basquiat began as a graffiti artist and Mark Aguhar‘s life “and mere existence was an act of confronting white hegemony”.

The continuing and often winding journey towards full equality has suffered many setbacks while still moving forwards. In this context, this year’s tagline is ‘the arc is long’. This is from Dr Martin Luther King jnr’s quote:

“The arc of the moral universe is long but it bends towards justice”.

Can you play a part in moving towards LGBTQ+ equality?

Join LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies in the Council in improving visibility, support and equality in our work place.  If you want to know more or have suggestions to make, have a look at GLAM’s webpage, contact Chair of GLAM, Tom Narbrough, or complete a member application form to join GLAM.