Making homophobia history
A survey of top lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender historical figures will be compiled over the next few weeks as part of this year’s LGBT History Month.
The month of events in February, backed by Schools Out, who aim to provide a support network for all lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transpersons in education, will provide a comprehensive history of homosexuality in the UK.
They have created a website where schools and organisations can obtain teaching resources such as lectures and plays, and advertise events raising awareness of homosexuality. The occasion, being held for the second time, is sponsored by the Metropolitan Police and Amnesty International.
To coincide with LGBT History Month, Schools Out, Teacher Support Network and the Times Educational Supplement are working together to explore the depth of homophobia towards teachers and students in schools.
The organisers hope LGBT History Month will create an atmosphere where sexuality is not linked to fear, and it is not automatically assumed that everyone in the national curriculum is straight.
Nominees for the top LGBT historical figure so far include Michelangelo, Marlene Dietrich, and Larry Grayson.
