LGBT History Month

So it's February! And I'm sure you all don't know what that means. LGBT history month! If you're not aware of what LGBT means, it stands for Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgendered.

But what does this mean? What is it really ?

It's a chance to honour how far the LGBT community has come, and make people realise how far we still have to go. However, since - at least in England - schools are unable to approach the subject of sexual or gender identity, so this particular history month goes unrecognised. Why?

Because history it written by the winners, and how often have they won? How often have the majority let them win? Sure, the have been victories, but all in all they've lost out. In some places in America you can still be fired for your sexuality.

In some place in the world, you can be murdered for your sexuality.

And what of gender identity? In most places, it's an uphill battle just to be yourself. You stand a very real risk of being verbally abused, physically attacked, or even killed just for being true to yourself.

So I ask of you, straight and gay, trans and cisgendered*. Take a moment at some point this month just to think, and maybe educate yourself. Watch 'Milk'. Do something. Also, if you're one of those who thinks being anything but straight is wrong. Why?

If you're part of the LGBT community, or questioning your identity - sexual or gender - I wish the the best of luck and I've added links to various sites that offer support.

Just thought I'd say something, Hotaru-chan. =]

http://www.queeryouth.org.uk
http://www.mermaids.freeuk.com/
http://www.stonewall.org.uk/

Sorry they're all UK links, I don't know any US links, but I'm sure someone on any of the sites could direct you to a US - or other country - alternative. =]

*a cisgendered person is someone whose gender identity fits the gender they were born into.

I had no idea. Isn't this black history month...?

No one has any idea, that's why I posted this. xD The only people who seem to know are the LGBT people and I think it's important that awareness is spread. It may well be elsewhere, but in Britain Black History month is October.

Hotaru-Chan wrote:However, since - at least in England - schools are unable to approach the subject of sexual or gender identity

Actually, that law was repealed a few years ago. It's all legal to discuss LGBT issues in schools now ^.^

Yes, but they're still unable to talk about it. In my experience anyway, and I've been to three different secondary schools, all of which have been quick to hush and issues of that ilk. xD

But they still don't, sadly.

Anyhow, it's one of those months that really needs some advertising, or people have no idea what it is.

Um...I think they might be switched in America. According to the bulletin boards on my dorm hallways (where I get info on everything from Martin Luther King Jr. to eating disorders to strange hobbies to blood donation), LGBT History Month was in October. Black History Month is February.

That said, I'm all for gay rights any month of the year. Go you for getting the word out!