The importance of LGBT+ History Month

February is LGBT+ History Month – a time to celebrate and reflect on the history of the LGBTQIA+ community. The theme for this year’s campaign is activism and social change.

Pale pink background with rainbow in the right hand corner. Text reads 'LGBT+ History Month. 1 February 2025-28 February 2025'

Over the years, people have fought for LGBTQIA+ rights – you can find more out about the timeline of key dates through Stonewall. During this month, we encourage everyone to take the opportunity to understand the history of the community and how far it has come, as well as how far it still has to go.

In January, Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK Star, The Vivienne died. The Vivienne was an openly gay man and renowned drag performer. They had been open about their battles with substances misuse, mental health issues and had also faced trolling online. Since their death, there has been an outpouring of support and calls for the online homophobia they received to be reviewed.

It is everyone’s responsibility, whether we identify as LGBTQIA+ or not, to support people and be an ally to create an environment where people feel safe and comfortable.

You can be an ally by:

  • Listening
  • Educating yourself
  • Being visible in your support
  • Being mindful
  • Avoiding assumptions
  • Speaking up to challenge hate

Where to get support

According to Mind (UK Mental Health Charity):

Being LGBTQIA+ does not cause mental health problems. But some things you may go through as an LGBTQIA+ person can make you more likely to experience a mental health problem.

Some things you may go through if you’re LGBTQIA+ include:

  • Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia
  • Experiences of stigma and discrimination
  • Difficult experiences of coming out
  • Social isolation, exclusion and rejection
  • ‘Conversion therapy’
  • Difficulties getting the healthcare you need for reasons such as discrimination, or long waiting lists for gender treatment if you’re trans

You can speak to our Student Services Team on the ground floor in DMH.

Student Services are available from 08:30am-5pm, Monday-Friday (excluding Bank Holidays).

You can contact us by:

For further LGBTQIA+ information and support, please contact the following organisations: