LGBT+ History Month 2025: Everything You Need to Know

LGBT+ History Month is an annual celebration of the lives of LGBT+ people of the past. It is celebrated every February in the UK, with each year’s celebration having its own unique theme. Discover how and why you can mark this month yourself, with key facts, quick tips and free resources to download.

Facts About LGBT+ History Month In The UK

LGBT+ people have a long history of making incredible contributions to the UK. From King James VI of Scotland and I of England, whose romantic feelings for men are well-documented, to the Ladies of Llangollen whose home became a cultural hotspot in Regency society to Justin Fashanu who broke boundaries as the first professional footballer to publicly share that he was gay – there is no shortage of fascinating and inspiring stories to be found if you know where to look.

However, those stories have often been missing from the history books, which could give the impression that LGBT+ people have only come along in recent years. Those who identify as LGBT+ might struggle to find historical figures they relate to, leading them to feel isolated and uncertain about their future. The truth is that LGBT+ people have always been here, in every society and time period around the world. By telling the stories of LGBT+ figures from history, we hope to spread the message that these identities aren’t going anywhere, and that LGBT+ people are valued and vital members of society. Explore The Proud Trust’s “People Like Me” project and discover the stories of LGBT+ people in music, film, sport, literature, politics and more.

If [LGBT+ history] was taught in schools it would show that LGBT+ people are just a part of everyday life and have been present throughout history but just haven been able to show it...It gives you someone to look up to or admire, and gives other people the chance to see that queer people can be successful and are just as much of a part of everyday society.Theo, a young person who has been supported by The Proud Trust’s mentoring program

What’s the difference between Pride Month and LGBT+ History Month?

LGBT+ Pride Month, which is celebrated every year in June, is a time for the community to join together, usually at in-person festivals featuring a pride march, to highlight LGBT+ causes. The Pride movement was born from the Stonewall riots of 1969 and the early gay liberation movement, and as such from its inception has had a strong political drive. It is different from LGBT+ History Month because it usually focuses on the present and the future of the community rather than the past.

LGBT+ T-shirt Collection: