Written by Lara
What is LGBT+ History Month?
LGBT+ History Month is celebrated every February across the UK and was founded in 2004 by Schools OUT. It was first celebrated in February 2005 and 2026 will be the 22nd UK LGBT+ History Month. As a queer person who is always keen to learn more about my history, this month is a special one.
Schools OUT founded UK LGBT+ History Month following the repeal of Section 28, a law introduced by the Thatcher government in 1988 that banned “the promotion of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship”. It was one of the darkest moments in LGBT+ history and led to the suppression of our rich and important history. Schools OUT established LGBT+ History Month to allow us to reclaim our past, celebrate our present and create a beautiful future by providing schools, businesses and services with free resources to #educateOUTprejudice.
What is the 2026 theme?
The 2026 theme is ‘Science & Innovation’ and was launched from the Royal Society of Chemistry. Science and innovation impact our daily lives and LGBT+ scientists and innovators are crucial to the development of solutions which benefit everyone, such as technology we use in healthcare and to combat climate change, yet we might struggle to name any of them. It also acknowledges the harm that LGBT+ people have historically faced at the hands of the misapplication of science, such as through conversion therapy.
The figures Schools OUT have chosen to celebrate in 2026 are:
- Barbara Burford – a medical researcher who established NHS equality and diversity guidelines
- Charles Beyer – a locomotive engineer and a founding member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers
- Elke Mackenzie – a botanist who researched lichens in Antarctica
- Jemma Redmond – a biotechnologist who developed 3D bioprinters to create tissues and organs
- Rober Boyle – a founder of modern chemistry and of the modern scientific method
What events are there for you to attend?
The University of Reading are hosting a range of events that you can get involved with to celebrate LGBT+ History month such as the Wolfenden Lecture with keynote speaker Martin Kaufman – a key figure in Reading’s LGBT+ liberation movement and a pivotal student activist in the 1970s who will also be hosting a walking tour of Reading to explore significant locations for LGBT+ history. The RSU is running a Gender Expression Fund throughout February to support students in accessing gender-affirming products such as binders, as well as a relaxed peer support space hosted for trans and Black and minority ethnic LGBTQ+ students.
Additionally, there are many opportunities to support local queer artists all year round, such as Sum Ting Wong’s monthly cabaret night at the Oakford Social Club which runs the first Saturday of the month and is free entry.
If you are looking for some fantastic new films to watch this February to celebrate LGBT+ History Month (and support our brilliant Reading cinemas) then look no further! Here are my top picks:
- The History of Sound released in the UK on January 23rd, and is available to see at Vue and Reading Biscuit Factory. A beautiful World War I historical romantic drama starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor. I have booked to see this at my favourite independent cinema, Reading Biscuit Factory.
- The Chronology of Water is Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut and releases on February 6th. It is based on Lidia Yuknavitch’s 2011 memoir.
- Peter Hujar’s Day also releases on February 6th and Ben Whishaw plays the titular, real-life gay photographer. This is based around the typescript of a documentary Hujar filmed with author Linda Rosenkrantz in 1974.
The Heartstopper film, Heartstopper Forever, will also be releasing in 2026 (date yet to be announced) to complete the Heartstopper universe, based on the novella Nick and Charlie. I had the pleasure of being an extra in its Pride parade scene which was filmed near Reading!
LGBT+ History Month is a very special month to learn more about an incredibly rich history which should never be forgotten, and there is so much to get involved with! Check out the university’s events calendar, pop along to the cinema, or simply do some researching in your bedroom with a hot drink in this chilly weather!