LGBTQ+ History Month

LGBTQ+ History Month is a month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer history, as well as a means of raising awareness for the issues faced by LGBTQ+ people. This year’s theme is Poetry, Prose and Plays.

Its primary focus is teaching young people about the gay rights movement and working to put a stop to homophobia, biphobia and transphobia, though the remit has increased in reach over the years.

The overall aim of LGBTQ+ History month is to promote equality and diversity for the benefit of the public.

This is done by:

• Increasing the visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (“LGBTQ+”) people, their history, lives and their experiences in the curriculum and culture of educational and other institutions, and the wider community;
• Raising awareness and advancing education on matters affecting the LGBTQ+ community;
• Working to make educational and other institutions safe spaces for all LGBTQ+ communities;
• Promoting the welfare of LGBQT+ people, by ensuring that the education system recognises and enables LGBTQ+ people to achieve their full potential, so they contribute fully to society and lead fulfilled lives, thus benefiting society as a whole.

February was chosen to coincide with the abolition of Section 28, which formerly stated that local authorities weren’t allowed to “intentionally promote homosexuality”.

As part of the Proud Councils, Merthyr Tydfil CBC will flying the flags to represent the LGBTQ+ communities. The flag-raising ceremony will take part at the Civic Centre on the 10^th February at 10.30am.