Celebrating LGBT+ History Month 2025 in the Classroom

LGBT+ History Month, which takes place in February each year, is an opportunity to celebrate and amplify the histories and experiences of the LGBT+ community. 

The theme for 2025 is ‘Social Change and Activism’. This theme is a chance to honour the LGBT+ figures who have contributed to social progress through their activism and work, improving society for the benefit of all. 

LGBT+ History Month was founded by Schools OUT in 2004 after the repeal of Section 28, which, amongst other things, prohibited teachers discussing LGBT+ issues and anything that was viewed as ‘intentionally promoting homosexuality’ in schools. 

During the existence of Section 28, which lasted from 1988 until 2003, members of the LGBT+ community were marginalised and maligned, and their history was effectively erased from mainstream curriculums. Telling this history now is an important act of inclusion and justice, and enables everyone, including the LGBT+ community, to learn about key elements of the UK’s history and the role LGBT+ individuals have played in shaping society.

As Sue Sanders, the LGBT+ history month founder notes,

To support educators, we have created an assembly on LGBT+ History Month 2025 that showcases inspiring individuals whose activism has contributed greatly to society, such as Ivor Cummings, the ‘gay father’ of the Windrush generation,

Whilst facing constant racial discrimination, and also being publicly gay despite the fear of criminalisation of homosexuality – Cummings was the first Black person to work in the Colonial Office. He held a senior position, and notably, was the official to secure accommodation and opportunities for migrants from the Caribbean.

Another significant individual who embodies the theme of ‘Social Change and Activism’ is British transgender rights activist Christine Goodwin. 

After undergoing gender reassignment in 1990, Christine faced constant discrimination and sexual harassment from her male colleagues.

In 1997, despite identifying as a woman and living as a woman, Goodwin was unable to draw her state pension at the age of 60, the qualifying age for women. As a result, Goodwin took the UK government to the European Court of Human Rights, bravely refusing the right to anonymity throughout the proceedings, despite the obvious harm this could have inflicted on her. 

Goodwin’s activism subsequently paved the way for the creation of the Gender Recognition Act 2004.

More on Christine Goodwin and other inspiring LGBT+ activists, such as Pratibha Parmar and Michael Cashman, can be found in our Celebrating LGBTQ+ Drop Down Day materials.