LGBTQIA+ History Month

A few words from the Co-chair, Mark

This month is about history —

but not history locked in books.

It’s living history.

Sung, spoken, painted, and laughed into existence

by people who refused to disappear.

We honour artists who didn’t just entertain us —

they kept us human.

People like Freddie Mercury,

who showed the world that queerness could be powerful, joyful, and utterly unapologetic.

Like George Michael,

who taught us that vulnerability is strength.

And Elton John,

who survived, shone, and lifted others as he climbed.

We celebrate laughter —

because comedy has always been how we breathe through pressure.

Artists like Eddie Izzard,

Julian Clary,

Hannah Gadsby,

Joe Lycett,

and Rosie Jones —

who proved comedy doesn’t need cruelty to be sharp,

and truth doesn’t need permission to be funny.

We honour artists who showed us ourselves —

on canvas, on screen, in words.

David Hockney,

painting queer joy as something ordinary and beautiful.

Grayson Perry,

challenging identity with honesty and care.

Keith Haring,

turning art into activism.

And Leigh Bowery,

who refused to shrink himself for anyone.

And we thank storytellers like Russell T Davies,

who put queer lives at the centre — not the margins —

and reminded us that our stories matter.

This is why LGBTQIA+ History Month matters.

Because when the world tried to silence us,

artists spoke.

When it tried to shame us,

artists laughed.

When it tried to erase us,

artists made us visible.

Their work tells every young queer person:

You are not new. You are not alone. And you are not wrong.

This month, we remember.

We celebrate.

And we carry their courage forward —

with pride.

Blogger's Notes

For those who may not know, LGBTQIA+ History Month takes place each year from 1st–28th February. It’s a time to celebrate the history, resilience, and achievements of our community — and to reflect on how far we’ve come, and how far we still have to go.

Why is it important?

LGBTQIA+ figures are often overlooked in education.

Many contributions have been erased or minimised over time. History Month helps restore those stories and ensure LGBTQIA+ people are recognised as part of our shared narrative.

It raises awareness of civil rights struggles — past and present.

From the Stonewall Riots to ongoing equality movements, understanding this history reminds us why visibility, protection, and advocacy still matter.

Visibility and representation matter.

Seeing LGBTQIA+ role models reflected in history gives young people affirmation, belonging, and reassurance that their identities are valid and valued.

When we honour LGBTQIA+ history, we strengthen our community today and help build a future rooted in equality and understanding. To learn more about its origins and how you can get involved, visit the official website of LGBTQ+ History Month.

Also, feel free to take a look at The Wonky House's social posts, which has highlighted a number of influencial figures throughout February.