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EmailThis week marks the start of LGBT+ History Month - an important moment and focal point in the year where we can celebrate what remarkable contributions LGBTQ+ people - and organisations - have made in every single walk of life.
This year’s LGBT+ History Month comes at a time when we are seeing increased uncertainty and concern in the LGBTQ+ community around the rollback of hard-won rights and freedoms. But, perhaps during this time of turbulence and at this time of year more than at others, we must remind ourselves of the journey that LGBTQ+ rights have been on and the success that we have achieved - often despite the challenges and opposition we have faced.
Last week, on my birthday, I was speaking to colleagues from a range of businesses. I said this:
“I have worked in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector for almost 30 years. I applied for this job at Stonewall because I could have written what I knew about being gay on a postage stamp when I was 15 growing up in Cornwall. It was isolating, lonely and scary.
Now I am 51. While the numbers have swapped around fast, I have been lucky to have lived in a period of such considerable progress in the UK. As a gay man, Stonewall's work has literally changed my life for the better, in unimaginable ways. But until every LGBTQ+ person can grow up safely and confidently and be able to live their lives freely without fear of prejudice or harm, our work is not done. I want Stonewall to keep literally changing lives.”
Inspired by our founders
When I was 15, I took courage from the commitment of the founders and early supporters of Stonewall - to stand up and say LGBTQ+ people deserve equal treatment under the law and in wider society. Their courage, embodied in Stonewall, gave me a beacon of hope then and it inspires me still. Over time, through a new kind of activism within the LGBTQ+ movement, Stonewall was able to win hearts and minds, shaping and changing legislation and culture.
The theme of 2025’s LGBT+ History Month is activism and social change. The founding document of Stonewall signed by Duncan Campbell, Michael Cashman, Ian McKellen and Simon Fanshawe, which can be seen in the LGBTQ+ museum, Queer Britain, states:
“Following the campaign to prevent the enactment of Clause 28 of the Local Government Bill 1988, we believe there would be a place for a new organisation to research on issues of relevance to gay people on a professional basis. Such an organisation should not attempt to be a substitute for OLGA (Older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans Association) or CHE (Campaign for Homosexual Equality) or any other organisation at present campaigning for the rights of the homosexuals in Britain, nor would it purport to be representative of homosexuals, not to provide a leadership for the gay movement.”
A central role in delivering change since 1989
Over the past 35 years, Stonewall has primarily focused its activity in two key domains - influencing and changing legislation and policy, and creating change through research, programmes and leadership development.
Stonewall has played a very significant and important role in changing the law to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people. This includes:
- The repeal of Section 28: We were founded in direct response to Section 28, the homophobic legislation that prevented young people learning about homosexuality in schools. It took twelve years in Scotland and 14 years in England and Wales to overturn this law.
- Equalising the age of consent: The Sexual Offences Amendment Act (2001) lowered the age of consent for gay and bi men to 16, aligning the age of consent with heterosexuals. It took us about 8 years to secure this change!
- Lifting the ban on military service: Until 2000, LGBTQ+ people were banned from the British military, often dismissed or stripped of medals. Stonewall campaigned to end this discrimination, leading to the ban’s repeal in 2000.
- Marriage equality: The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 made history by legalising same-sex marriage in England and Wales. Scotland joined the movement in 2014, but Ireland didn’t achieve marriage equality until 2020. These changes were landmark victories for LGBTQ+ rights, and they represented more than just the right to marry - it was about recognition, dignity, and equality.
- The right for LGBTQ+ couples to adopt: The Adoption and Children Act came into effect in 2002 and allowed unmarried couples, including LGBTQ+ couples, to apply for joint adoption.
These have been milestone victories, but there is still more to do – we won’t rest until we live in a society which is free from discrimination, prejudice and inequality for LGBTQ+ people.
Working for a safer and more equal future
This year, we’re continuing to work with others for a long overdue ban on abusive conversion practices, which seek to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
In July 2024, the Government announced its intention to bring forward draft legislation. This has been announced before by previous governments, so we cannot become complacent as we approach the finish line.
We’re calling for the UK Government to ensure that the ban is inclusive of all LGBTQ+ people and protects everyone from abuse.
Many thanks to Professor Sue Sanders and all the team for their hard work to bring LGBT+ History Month into being since 2005.
