York LGBT History Month serves to increase public awareness of the place of LGBT people in history. (Side note: LGBT stands for lesbian, gay, bi and trans, but we take it to include all non-normative/marginalised gender, romantic and sexual identities and intersex.)

We bring to light stories that might traditionally have been ignored, working to develop inclusivity, challenge stereotypes and promote understanding. Our programme of events provides a wide variety of ways for the public to learn about these stories, and our school outreach serves to promote the benefits of inclusion at a key stage in children’s social development.

Our the aims include:

• increasing public awareness of LGBT identities and the accessibility of narratives that showcase them;
• broadening public understanding of the complex nature of gender, sex, and romantic and sexual orientation;
• countering normative assumptions with regard to gender, sex, and romantic and sexual orientation;
• celebrating the individual and collective historical achievements of LGBT people.

We achieve these aims through such work as:

• the coordination of a diverse and broad programme of collaboratively-organised events during LGBT History Month (February);
• the promotion of local LGBT history events outside of LGBT History Month;
• ongoing engagement with and support of LGBT History Month initiatives in schools.

Current Management Structure
York LGBT History Month was a independent registered Charity (number: 1167397) from 2016 until 2021. At the 2020 AGM the trustees of York LGBT History Month made the decision to wind up the charity due to lack of volunteers.

To avoid this happening York Pride (registered charity 1154441) stepped in and offered to take over the coordination of history month events in York until a time when a dedicated volunteer group could take over and bring back an independent York LGBT History Month group. All funds transferred to York Pride as part of this agreement are ring fenced for York LGBT History Month activities.

What is LGBT History Month?
LGBT History Month highlights the past struggles and achievements of LGBT people, with the aim of promoting and advancing equality and diversity. In the UK, it takes place every February.

York LGBT History Month is a completely independent organisation. The national LGBT History Month campaign is run by Schools OUT UK. You can find out more, sign up for updates and buy official badges and keyrings on the national LGBT History Month website.

Visit the Nation LGBT History Month Website here