LGBT+ History Month
This year’s theme focuses on ‘Activism and Social Change’. The NUJ recognises this month as a time to celebrate past achievements and those to come.
LGBT+ History Month 2025 as founded by Schools Out, recognises that these are particularly challenging times, but stresses the importance the role LGBT+ communities have played in shaping social change both past and present. This year’s theme focuses on ‘Activism and Social Change’, a testament not only to the struggles of the past but also those of the future and to work to #educateOUTprejudice, highlighting activism is vital not only for LGBT+ communities but for the benefit of all.
Matthew Todd a prominent writer and journalist reported that it had been over 30 years since Section 28 was introduced. It was – the now repealed – clause of a local government act, which prohibited local authorities from “promoting homosexuality”. The repeal marked a significant step forward for LGBT+ rights, allowing local authorities to address the needs of LGBT+ communities without legal restrictions. The negativity and fear that the act had created was only finally defeated by a collective approach. The report focused on the effect on schools at the time but highlighted the concern of the legacy of such legislation.
In 2024 the TUC reported that over half of respondents to its survey said that they had experienced at least one form of bullying or harassment at work in the last five years. Around one in five respondents (19%) had been exposed to verbal abuse about LGBT+ people in the workplace. And one in 20 respondents (5%) told us that they had experienced physical violence, threats and intimidation because they are lesbian, gay, bi or trans.
It is in the context of this hostile environment for LGBT+ communities the NUJ’s Equality Council will raise awareness at the TUC LGBT+ conference of the US administration’s edict in 'Ending Radical And Wasteful Government Diversity Equality and Inclusion (DEI) Programs And Preferencing' executive order to eradicate DEI related content from websites and numerous academic and medical journals which also publish in the UK.
Natasha Hirst, Equality council co-chair, said:
"LGBT+ History Month is as necessary as ever and recent developments remind us that we can never be complacent about defending our rights. Our members deserve to feel safe and be treated with respect at work and in all areas of life. Anti-DEI rhetoric is resulting in the erasure of information about the struggles and achievements of minoritised groups, which sets a dangerous precedent. Our members play a vital role in upholding democracy and challenging negative portrayals of the LGBT+ community."
This month also marks the 10th anniversary of the passing of the passing of the Marriage Equality referendum in Ireland. A milestone in Ireland’s history towards LGBT+ equality, preceded by years of activism and legal challenges including the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1993 and the introduction of civil partnerships in 2010. The campaign for marriage equality gained momentum through grassroots organising; this significant achievement cannot be underestimated nor the role that trade unions played in this fundamental sea change.
Séamus Dooley, NUJ assistant general secretary, said:
"It is worth reflecting on the role of the trade union movement in the marriage equality campaign, not least because that contribution has been ignored in many of the published narratives, columns, and documentaries on the subject, or simply taken for granted….It is an opportune time to celebrate the contribution of our movement not just to the success of the marriage equality referendum, but to the campaign for LGBT+ rights in Ireland."
The NUJ hopes members will join in the celebrations and in solidarity by attending Pride events across the country. If you are interested in attending London Pride, we will be offering wristbands to members on a first come first served basis – please contact [email protected]