Here's What You Need To Know For LGBTQ Month

LGBTQ Month has officially arrived in the UK, this time with the focus on Peace, Activism and Reconciliation. February celebrates the diverse culture of the LGBTQ community by showing up their achievements, rights and power, and strongly promotes more tolerance among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer citizens who are still facing discrimination on a daily basis. LGBTQ Month was founded to raise awareness of that narrow-mindedness people still have towards them. Here is everything you need to know about the most important aspects which are being endorsed during this time: Togetherness, Awareness, Empowerment and Education.

"I'm just like everyone. I like to feel togetherness with someone"

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Togetherness is strongly made visible through the pride flag which was created in 1987 by Gilbert Baker after Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in the US, requested it. Ever since, the colourful flag is associated with the LGBTQ+ movement and represents their togetherness and inclusion.

"Awareness allows you to feel life as it's happening, as it is in perception that consciousness and all spiritual qualities are manifest."

Raising awareness is important throughout the whole year, however during LGBTQ+ month the emphasis is on it even more. In various countries it is still seen as a crime if you have a 'different' sexuality than the majority of people, hence it is hugely important that the ongoing prejudice is being discussed and prevented continuously. More than half of the LGBTQ population suffer from depression due to negative surroundings and it is time to provide better resources and strive to fight for equality in every way.

"The beauty of standing up for your rights is others see you standing and stand up as well."

In a nutshell, empowerment is all about being vocal about accepting, celebrating, supporting and understanding those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community and identify themselves with different sexualities. The more people speak up the more powerful they become and the less the animosity from certain people becomes.

“Who would give a law to lovers? Love is unto itself a higher law.”

Many people don't know anything about LGBTQ+ and its history and culture. This is why this month is all about clarification and enlightenment. Although the first LGBTQ+ Awareness Month already originated in 1994 in the US, the UK only adapted it in 2005. People with different sexual identities weren't always allowed to speak up about their sexual preferences and 'coming out of the closet' could often lead to highly negative consequences. Especially the younger generation needs to be taught about equality and diversity, and that is exactly what LGBTQ+ month aims for.

Where to go during LGBTQ+ month and what to do?

Many panel talks and activities are taking place across the UK. You can find more information here: https://lgbthistorymonth.org.uk