February is LGBT History Month and this year’s theme is ‘Medicine - #UnderTheScope’. It’s a chance to learn about and celebrate LGBT+ people’s contributions to the field of Medicine and Healthcare. Whether you’re an Early Years teacher or you work with Key Stage 4 students, you can plan and deliver a range of activities in school during February that promote inclusivity, diversity and awareness. 

You can find information and resources on the LGBT+ History Month site. The event was founded in 2004 by Schools OUT UK and was first celebrated in 2005. Up and down the UK, schools will join businesses, services and organisations to celebrate and ‘usualise’ LGBT+ lives in their full diversity. 

Here are some activities that schools can consider: 

Educational Workshops 

Organise workshops that focus on the history of the LGBT+ rights movement, key historical figures, and milestones. Invite guest speakers, including activists or members of the LGBT+ community, to share their experiences. 

Guest Speakers 

Arrange for guest speakers or panel discussions featuring LGBT+ individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. This can include professionals, artists, or community leaders, but even better if it’s someone in the medical or healthcare profession. 

Inspirational Figures 

Introduce your class to inspirational figures from the past or the present day who were/are part of the LGBT+ community in an age-appropriate manner. Share simplified stories or anecdotes about their contributions, fostering an understanding of diverse individuals and their contributions to society. 

Film Screenings 

Secondary students might enjoy watching documentaries, films, or short videos that highlight LGBT+ history, culture, and contributions. Follow the screening with a discussion to explore the themes and perspectives presented. 

Inclusive Stories and Poems  

Select age-appropriate books that feature LGBT+ characters or explore themes of diversity and acceptance. Arrange for special story time sessions where teachers or guest readers share these books with pupils. 

Book Clubs 

Create a book club featuring literature by LGBT+ authors or books that explore LGBT+ themes. This can include fiction, non-fiction, or poetry that contributes to a better understanding of diverse experiences. 

Art Exhibitions  

Showcase art created by LGBT+ students or feature artwork that explores LGBT+ themes. This can include paintings, drawings, photography, or other visual arts. 

Classroom Discussions 

Facilitate open and respectful discussions in classrooms about the history and significance of LGBT+ rights. Encourage students to ask questions and share their perspectives. 

Create Inclusive School Policies 

During LGBT+ History Month is the perfect time to work with school staff and administration to ensure that school policies are inclusive and supportive of LGBT+ students and families. This includes anti-bullying policies and creating safe spaces. 

Inclusive Curriculum Integration 

Integrate LGBT+ history and contributions into the school curriculum. Ensure that lessons incorporate diverse voices and narratives to create a more inclusive learning environment. 

Poster Campaigns  

Launch a poster campaign throughout the school that highlights key moments in LGBT+ history, notable figures, and messages promoting acceptance and inclusion. You could specifically focus on this year’s theme. 

Awareness Events  

Host events within the school, such as awareness days or assemblies, where students and staff can learn more about the history of the LGBT+ community. Include discussions, presentations, and interactive activities.   

Student-Led Projects  

Empower students to initiate and lead projects that promote awareness and inclusivity. This can include art installations, research projects, or awareness campaigns. 

LGBT+ Quizes 

Organise fun and educational quizzes that focus on LGBT+ history. Tailor the questions to the primary school level, making it an engaging and informative activity. 

Rainbow Day or Week 

Designate a day or week where students and staff can wear rainbow colours or LGBT+ pride symbols to show support and solidarity. This can create a visually inclusive and positive atmosphere. Pupils could also engage in a range of rainbow-themed arts and crafts activities. You could even encourage the school kitchen to get involved and provide rainbow snacks or meals. 

Safe Space Training 

Why not make this month the time to prioritise training for teachers and staff to create an environment where LGBT+ students feel supported and accepted? 

Poetry and Spoken Word Night  

Secondary schools could host an evening dedicated to LGBT+ poetry and spoken word performances. This can provide a platform for students to express themselves and share their experiences.  

Social Media Campaigns  

Work with older students to launch social media campaigns within the school community to share information, resources, and stories related to LGBT+ history and awareness. 

Involving Families  

Involve parents in celebrating LGBT+ History Month by organising events, workshops, or information sessions. Encourage a partnership between school and home to reinforce the importance of inclusivity. 

It's essential to approach these activities with sensitivity, ensuring that they are inclusive, respectful, and promote understanding. Ensure resources, activities and information shared is age appropriate. Collaborate with LGBT+ students and organisations to ensure their voices are heard and their perspectives are represented. 

Faye Booth is an experienced educator and content creator, who has specialised in creating teaching resources linked to diversity, equality, representation and belonging, with a particular focus on the LGBT+ community. She is an active LGBT+ ally who believes that education is the best way to foster understanding, acceptance and kindness.