Celebrating LGBT+ History Month: Embracing Diversity and Learning from Liverpool's History
03 February 2025
As we step into February, we proudly celebrate LGBT+ History Month, a time dedicated to recognising and honouring the contributions and history of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.
This month-long observance, which began in the UK in 2005, provides an opportunity for us to educate ourselves, build a more inclusive workplace, and reflect on the rich tapestry of LGBT+ history.
Understanding and embracing LGBT+ history is not just about acknowledging the past; it's about fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.
Liverpool's LGBTQ+ History
Liverpool has an impressive history when it comes to LGBTQ+ movements.
The Scouse LGBTQ+ community have been at the forefront of championing equal rights for over 50 years, with many major turning points both nationally and internationally taking place in our city. Below is a list of all the times that Liverpool has been at the heart of LGBTQ+ history:
- 1960: April Ashley becomes Britain's first trans woman to undergo reassignment surgery.
- 1976: GYRO (Gay Youth ‘R’ Out) is founded. Still going strong, it is the UK’s longest-running LGBTQ+ youth group.
- 1984: Frankie Goes To Hollywood scores the longest-running number one single in the UK for the 1980s. Fronted by openly gay members Holly Johnson and Paul Rutherford, the Liverpool pop band spent nine weeks at the top with their hit "Two Tribes."
- 1994: The first pre-watershed lesbian kiss is broadcast on television thanks to Liverpool soap opera, "Brookside."
- 1994: Liverpool-born Edwina Currie becomes the first British MP to introduce a motion in the House of Commons to equalise the age of consent for gay men.
- 1997: Angela Eagle becomes Britain’s first ‘out’ lesbian MP (MP for Wallasey).
- 1999: Caroline Paige becomes the first openly serving transgender officer in the British Armed Forces.
- 2002: A 30-year-old Scouse lesbian successfully challenges the British government's discrimination against homosexual couples, leading to equal rights for same-sex partners of mental health patients.
- 2005: Liverpool Register Office becomes the UK's first to include a gay couple on the front cover of official civil ceremony promotional material.
- 2008: Angela Eagle becomes the first female MP to enter a civil partnership.
- 2010: "Hollyoaks," filmed in Liverpool’s Lime Picture Studio, becomes the first British soap opera to include a teenage transgender storyline.
- 2011: Liverpool becomes the first British city to officially recognise a gay quarter with the introduction of rainbow street signs around the Stanley Street area.
- 2012: Liverpool is the first city in the world to officially mark IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia) with a programme of free events.
- 2012: Ullet Road Unitarian Church hosts the first UK civil partnership on religious premises.
- 2012: Liverpool Pride becomes the first Pride in the country to have a football club officially represented, with Liverpool Football Club sponsoring the event.
- 2013: Liverpool becomes the first UK city with a gay couple as first citizens, with Lord Mayor Gary Millar and his civil partner, Steve Macfarlane.
- 2015: "Hollyoaks" casts the first openly transgender actor to play a trans character, with Annie Wallace becoming the first transgender actor to be nominated for a BAFTA award.
- 2018: Gay Times holds their annual award ceremony at the Walker Art Gallery, the first time it is held outside of London.
By learning about and celebrating these milestones, we not only honour the struggles and achievements of the LGBT+ community but also inspire ourselves to continue advocating for a more inclusive and equitable future.
This LGBT+ History Month, let's commit to educating ourselves, supporting our LGBT+ colleagues, and celebrating the rich history and contributions of the queer community. Together, we can create a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.