LGBT+ History month was founded by Schools Out with a new theme is outlined each year on their Schools Out website
This year the UK 2025 LGBT+ History Month theme is: Activism and Social Change.
Throughout history LGBT+ people have been activists and helped shape and create social change, advancing society for everyone using many different approaches to activism. In addition to simply living openly with their sexuality or gender identity, activism can be participation in protests and rallies, campaigning for rights, boycotts and direct action to creative protests such as art, music, literature, poetry, theatre, comedy, dance or creating zines to highlight the issues of the day. There are many ways throughout history that LGBT+ people have been actively lobbying for rights and for meaningful change.
Each year, five LGBT+ historical figures are chosen in line with the theme. This year, five LGBT+ people have been chosen, who have created social change from across the centuries in progressing change for women, the environment, housing, nuclear disarmament, preserving heritage, abolition of the slave trade, and immigration, among many other causes.
The 2025 LGBT+ Historical Figures are:
Octavia Hill
Ivor Cummings
Annie Kenney
Charlie Kiss
Olaudah Equiano
The University Library and Ross Library have produced displays and reading list to highlight the life and work of these amazing activists and change makers. In addition, the reading list also highlights the activists who have fought for LGBTQI+ rights over the years. In the current political climate it continues to be necessary for LGBTQI+ people and their allies to stand up against bigotry and discrimination.
University Library LGBTQI+ History Month 2025 Reading list