Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans (LGBT) History Month takes place every year in February.

LGBT History Month is an opportunity for all of us to learn more about the histories of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Britain and Northern Ireland.

1533
Gay sex became punishable by hanging.

1885
Homosexual acts were made illegal, even in private.

1972
The first Gay Pride rally was held in London.

2001
The age of consent for gay men was reduced to 16 – the same as for straight guys.

2004
The Civil Partnership Act gives same sex couples the same rights and responsibilities as married straight couples.

Who experiences homophobic or transphobic bullying?

• Young people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.
• Young people who are thought to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.
• Young people who are different in some way – they may not act like the other boys and girls.
• Young people who have lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender friends or family.
• Any young person can experience homophobic or transphobic bullying, whether they are LGBT or not.

What is homophobic bullying?

Using the word ’gay’ as an insult is homophobic. Calling someone ‘gay’ as a way of suggesting there is something ‘wrong’ with being lesbian or gay is homophobic.
Being on the receiving end of homophobia hurts....and you don’t need to be lesbian or gay to suffer homophobia.

Fact: people do not choose their sexual orientation.

Fact: people do choose to be homophobic.

What are you going to do about it?

You can challenge homophobia when you hear or see it.
You can support and value your friends, regardless of their sexual orientation or other differences.

If you are experiencing homophobic bullying or know someone who is, report it …don’t be silent.

East Sussex County Council works with Stonewall to tackle homophobic bullying in schools.