Find out more about this year’s theme, the importance of the annual celebration and what events you can attend this month and beyond
BY NIC CROSARA, IMAGE VIA CANVA (@DAVIDEANGELINIPHOTOS)
LGBTQIA+ people have always existed, and always will. However, our community’s contributions to the world are often erased and are rarely taught in the classroom. Thankfully, teacher Rodney Wilson founded LGBT+ History Month in 1994, and the annual observation has now spread across the world. Here in the UK, we celebrate LGBT+ History Month during the month of February to coincide with the abolition of Section 28.
Our history is rich and full of people fighting for the rights we enjoy today. With an alarming rise in anti-LGBTQIA+ movements, it’s vital that we do not forget our history and that we continue to fight like hell for queer and trans futures.
Here in the UK, the theme for this year’s celebrations is Science and Innovation. People are encouraged to learn about queer historical figures such as Barbara Burford, Charles Beyer, Elke Mackenzie, Jemma Redmond, and Robert Boyle. It’s perfect timing to learn more about their contributions to the world.
Pssst… want to read more about the contributions made by LGBTQIA+ folks in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine)? Be sure to grab your copy of our latest issue where DIVA staff writer Ella Gauci serves up an eduGAYtion.
Looking for some events to attend this month and beyond?
Are you a teacher? Then listen up. The volunteer-led organisation Pride in Education is continuing its mission to support the educator sector through a programme of free professional development for LGBT+ History Month and the upcoming Trans+ History Month (4-10 May 2026).
Pride in Education will host two free webinars designed to equip teachers with subject-specific and historically grounded approaches to inclusion:
Usualising LGBTQ+ identities in secondary school science and maths
13 February 2026m, 4-5pm
Register: outsavvy.com/event/32735
Linked to LGBT+ History Month’s theme of Science and Innovation, this session explores how LGBTIQA+ identities, scientists and lived experiences can be meaningfully embedded into science and maths lessons within secondary schools. It offers practical strategies for making inclusion part of everyday teaching rather than an “add-on”, supporting both curriculum delivery and student wellbeing.
Bringing Trans+ histories to life in your classroom
13 March 2026, 4-5pm
Register: outsavvy.com/event/32596
This webinar focuses on turning Trans+ history into engaging, accessible classroom learning. Educators will explore historical figures, movements and moments, alongside creative and age-appropriate approaches to celebrating Trans+ contributions while addressing challenge and resistance with confidence.
Find out more at prideineducation.co.uk
You can find more events to partake in this month at lgbtplushistorymonth.co.uk/calendar.
Love media made by and for LGBTQIA+ women and gender diverse people? Then you’ll love DIVA. We’ve been spotlighting the community for over 30 years. Here’s how you can get behind queer media and keep us going for another generation: linkin.bio/ig-divamagazine
Did you know that DIVA has now become a charity? Our magazine is published by the DIVA Charitable Trust. You can find out more about the organisation and how you can offer your support here: divacharitabletrust.com
