‘It's not about wokeness’: why we need LGBTQ+ History
Do we really need LGBTQ+ History Month? There is no doubt that our profession, as well as most Western societies, have advanced significantly in recent years when it comes to recognising the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.
We have today reached a place where many belonging to this (and my community) feel like their sexuality or gender identity neither hinders or even really plays a part in their professional lives.
A History Month, or Week, whether it is for the LGBTQ+ community, or the Black community, is a great way both for members of the community to recognise and celebrate the progress that has been made in equality and fairness, the contributions of prominent individuals from their community to society as a whole, as well as to redress the historic under-reporting of contributions of members of these communities.
A sense of community
It is not about ‘wokeness’, nor should it be considered to be only for the community.
Anyone who has an interest in advancing the rights of others should welcome celebrations such as this, and use them as an opportunity to learn more about matters which particularly affect the community and particular groups of individuals within the community.
I, for example, do not have the lived experience of what it is like to be a trans person, or of a non-binary gender. But it is important that I become aware of and understand their experiences and challenges, so I can effectively support these fellow members of my community to thrive.
