Publish date: 3 February 2022
LGBT+ History Month is such an important part of the calendar. It’s a time for reflection, and to celebrate the diversity and talent of our LGBT+ communities. LGBT+ History Month is also about raising awareness of and combating the prejudice and discrimination faced by many LGBT+ people.
In the UK, the event is honoured in February to coincide with the abolition of Section 28 in 2003, which prohibited the “promotion” of homosexuality.
While we have come a long way in terms of better social inclusion and attitudes towards same gender relationships and equal marriage, there is still a great deal of work to be done, particularly in terms of positive trans (including non-binary) representation and inclusion.
One of the key elements of LGBT+ History Month is the celebration and promotion of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Ultimately LGBT+ History Month allows us to pay homage to those who paved the way to equal rights and the countless numbers who were erased, ignored and discriminated against because of their identity and we’re proud that your local NHS services will be celebrating this month long event.
Many young LGBT+ people feel scared, unsure, depressed or worried about coming out and parents of LGBT+ children often need to support their child through physical, mental and emotional health issues they themselves have never experienced. There are lots of organisations across the region that support young LGBT+ people, or those questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity. The Proud Trust (www.theproudtrust.org/) host a map of local youth groups, including the LGBT+ OutLoud group in Tameside.
Face to face, online and over the phone support is available for LGBT+ people, schools and youth services in Tameside. Weekly LGBT+ support groups run by Tameside Council for young and older people take place on Tuesday evenings 5.30-8pm for people aged 17+ and Wednesday evenings 6-8.30pm for those aged 7-11 years. These sessions offer a safe space for young people LGBT+ (including gender fluid, and or questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity) where young people can meet, socialise, talk about what matters to them make new friends and participate in activities and have fun. Find out more on the Council’s website: https://www.tameside.gov.uk/youthservices
This LGBT+ History Month the Council team behind these sessions will be working in T1 Clarendon College on Tuesday 15 February and Tameside College on Wednesday 16 February, celebrating LGBT+ History Month as part of our weekly groups with young people. For more information about this or for a chat contact Diane King on: 07971599414 or email diane.king@tameside.gov.uk
Preparations are underway for the fourth Tameside Pride event in 2022, which will be held in-person. The events held in 2020 and 2021 were held virtually with money raised for Willow Wood Hospice as well as Tameside Pride for the years ahead. You can follow Tameside Pride on Facebook for more information or visit: www.tamesidepride.co.uk/.
Here in Tameside and Glossop we are proud to be leading organisations where our staff actively uphold our values and behaviours. At our heart is the fundamental drive to deliver fair, equal and equitable services for all. To find out about other available local services visit https://www.tameside.gov.uk/sid/lgbt
