LGBT+ History Month is an annual celebration of the lives of LGBT+ people of the past. It is celebrated every February in the UK, with each year’s celebration having its own unique theme.

LGBT+ History Month was founded in the UK by Paul Patrick and Professor Emeritus Sue Sanders. Paul and Sue are the founders of Schools OUT, an LGBT+ education charity and they spearheaded the first UK LGBT+ History Month in February 2005. From then on, the movement has grown, with more and more schools taking part every year. It has even expanded beyond schools, with people from all walks of life marking the month in their own way. It’s now an event for everyone to learn, reflect and expand their horizons.

What’s the difference between Pride Month and LGBT+ History Month?

LGBT+ Pride Month, which is celebrated every year in June, is a time for the community to join together, usually at in-person festivals featuring a pride march, to highlight LGBT+ causes. The Pride movement was born from the Stonewall riots of 1969 and the early gay liberation movement, and as such from its inception has had a strong political drive. It is different from LGBT+ History Month because it usually focuses on the present and the future of the community rather than the past.

The 2025 UK LGBT+ History Month theme is:

• Activism and Social Change

Schools OUT founded UK LGBT+ History Month to be a dedicated space to celebrate our rich and diverse history, herstory, theirstory. Throughout history LGBT+ people have been activists and helped shape and create social change, advancing society for everyone.

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