This February, LGBT+ History Month 2025 invites us to reflect on the incredible journey of the LGBT+ community, celebrate its resilience, and focus on the changes still needed for a more inclusive future. It is an especially momentous year, as Schools OUT UK marks its 50th anniversary and we celebrate the 20th UK LGBT+ History Month. These dual milestones offer a powerful opportunity to honour the legacy of activism and social change that has shaped society for the better.
A Legacy of Activism
Activism and social change, the theme for 2025, highlight the profound impact that LGBT+ individuals and allies have had on society throughout history. Whether fighting for legal recognition, challenging discrimination, or advocating for basic human rights, activism has always been at the heart of the LGBT+ experience. It’s a legacy of courage and determination, of individuals standing up for themselves and their communities against tremendous odds.
History has shown us that social progress isn’t handed down from the powerful; it’s wrestled from them by those brave enough to demand better. From the Stonewall riots of 1969 to marriage equality campaigns across the globe, activism has been a constant force for change. But activism isn’t always loud or confrontational. Sometimes it’s about quietly refusing to conform, asserting your identity in hostile environments, or simply being visible in a world that prefers you invisible. These actions, whether small or seismic, have created ripples that continue to shape our lives today.
This Year’s Historical Figures
Each year, LGBT+ History Month highlights key historical figures whose lives embody the theme. In 2025, we celebrate five individuals whose activism and commitment to social change have left a lasting impact:
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Octavia Hill: A social reformer and co-founder of the National Trust, Hill worked tirelessly to protect public spaces and ensure access to nature for all. Her advocacy for community well-being resonates with the ongoing fight for inclusivity and equality.
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Ivor Cummings: Known as “The Black Englishman,” Cummings played a pivotal role in advocating for racial equality and integration in post-war Britain. His work reminds us of the intersections between race and LGBT+ activism.
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Annie Kenney: A suffragette and labour activist, Kenney was instrumental in the fight for women’s voting rights. Her determination to challenge the status quo speaks to the power of collective action.
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Charlie Kiss: A trailblazer in transgender activism, Kiss’s work has inspired countless individuals to live authentically and fight for their rights. His advocacy reflects the ongoing challenges and victories within the LGBT+ community.
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Olaudah Equiano: An abolitionist and writer, Equiano’s autobiography shed light on the horrors of slavery and championed human rights. His legacy highlights the importance of storytelling in driving social change.
These figures remind us that activism takes many forms and that the fight for equality often intersects with other movements for justice. They demonstrate how courage and determination can lead to profound societal shifts, creating a world where future generations can thrive.
Activism in the Workplace
Workplaces have long been arenas for activism, where battles for fairness and inclusion are fought daily. Creating a truly inclusive work environment isn’t about ticking boxes; it’s about ensuring that everyone, regardless of their identity, feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.
Celebrating LGBT+ History Month in professional settings is a chance to engage with the stories of those who came before us and to inspire action today. How many companies remember that the first Pride marches were protests against systemic discrimination? How many know that early workplace activism came not from executives but from grassroots organising by LGBT+ employees demanding basic respect and protections?
This year’s theme challenges employers to reflect on their role in activism and social change. It’s not enough to display a rainbow flag; what matters is whether LGBT+ employees feel safe enough to bring their full selves to work. It’s about reviewing policies, offering tangible support, and amplifying LGBT+ voices within the organisation.
Educational Opportunities
Education is the bedrock of any movement for social change. Schools OUT UK’s free resources offer schools, organisations, and businesses tools to make LGBT+ History Month more than just a symbolic gesture. These include profiles of historical figures, lesson plans, and ideas for engaging activities.
History doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Highlighting figures like Olaudah Equiano or Annie Kenney can open discussions about the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality. These conversations challenge assumptions, build empathy, and inspire the next generation of activists to continue the fight for equality.
Community Celebrations
LGBT+ History Month isn’t just about looking back; it’s about coming together to celebrate progress and plan for the future. Schools OUT UK encourages everyone to participate by organising events, whether it’s hosting a speaker, creating art inspired by the theme, or holding panel discussions about activism.
The official LGBT+ History Month badge, designed by 12-year-old Emily from Sunderland, is a symbol of this celebration. Purchasing one supports Schools OUT UK and signals your commitment to creating a more inclusive society. For those organising events, registering them on the official calendar is a great way to connect with others who share the vision of equality.
The Fight Isn’t Over
Activism is a journey, not a destination. Despite the strides made in recent decades, challenges remain. Across the UK and beyond, LGBT+ individuals continue to face discrimination, violence, and systemic inequality. The fight for trans rights, equitable healthcare, and fair representation is far from over.
Workplace activism remains critical. Whether it’s advocating for better representation in leadership, addressing pay disparities, or creating employee networks, activism in the workplace is about recognising the power we all have to drive change. Real inclusivity means taking responsibility and working collaboratively to challenge the status quo.
Looking Ahead
LGBT+ History Month 2025 is more than a celebration; it’s a rallying cry. It’s a chance to honour those who’ve come before us, to recognise the progress we’ve made, and to recommit to the fight for equality. Whether in schools, workplaces, or communities, the lessons of activism and social change are as relevant today as ever.
This February, let’s remember that activism isn’t reserved for the history books. It’s alive in every act of courage, every voice raised against injustice, and every step taken toward a fairer world. Together, we can honour the past, celebrate the present, and shape a future where equality is more than an aspiration—it’s a reality.
For more information on LGBT+ History Month 2025, including resources and a calendar of events, visit https://lgbtplushistorymonth.co.uk/lgbt-history-month-2025/. Engage with the community and discover ways to make this year's celebrations meaningful and impactful.