Hey guys, I'm Fina (they/them) one of your vice president at the SU this academic year! For LGBTQ+ history month this year I have been tasked with writing a blog to kick it off, so here it goes!
Unlike Pride month, LGBTQ+ history month is all about looking to our past and reflecting on the how far we have come as a community while celebrating the contributions of our predecessors. This year's theme for LGBTQ+ history month is activism and social change, which especially in today's political climate is very fitting. Throughout history LGBTQ+ people have been forced to fight for their existence, facing discrimination and abuse just for showing who they truly are.
It is important this year more than ever that we use this month to reflect on the mistakes of the past and how we as a community can prevent them being repeated. As a transgender, queer individual I implore you to learn about LGBTQ+ activists from the past, and explore how you can continue to fight for our rights!
Every year for LGBTQ+ history month a handful of LGBTQ+ people from history are highlighted by the national organisers for their contributions to social change in areas from environmental protection, to the abolitionist movement, to the women's rights movement. This year the people highlighted are:
- Octavia Hill
- Ivor Cummings
- Annie Kenney
- Charlie Kiss
- Olaudah Equiano
All five of these individuals created amazing positive change in the world so I encourage you all; to look them up and learn from their actions. Learn from the activists of our past so that you can continue the fight for our future!
Here is to the historical and current LGBTQ+ activism for positive social change!
On a lighter note: the SU will have a variety of events throughout LGBTQ+ history month so watch this space for more!