People of all sexual orientations and gender identities have always existed. LGBTQIA+ History Month was founded in the UK in 2004, within 18 months of the repeal of Section 28 in England and Wales. For the past 20 years since its first celebration, the charity SCHOOLS OUT has celebrated the incredible achievements of LGBTQIA+ people throughout history – you name it, they’ve done it.
Theme for 2025: Activism and Social Change
Throughout history, this community have been pioneers in advancing society in many different ways including:
- Protests and rallies
- Campaigns- social media and letter-writing
- Collaboration and education
- Boycotts and direct action
- Art and music
- Literature and poetry
- Performing arts
- Creative arts
- Living openly
Each year, 5 LGBTQIA+ historical figures are chosen in line with the theme. In 2025, these historical figures show their outstanding ability to create social change by; progressing change for women, the environment, housing, nuclear disarmament, preserving heritage among many others (LGBT+ History Month, 2025).
Historical LGBTQIA+ Figures for 2025:
1. Octavia Hill
Octavia Hill (1838-1912) is renowned for being a pioneer of social reform in Victorian Britain. She is also a co-founder of The National Trust.
She campaigned for more green, open spaces in London and preserving the countryside, coining the term ‘the green belt’ from this. Octavia also worked to improve social housing conditions, establishing ‘personal casework’ which was used to develop modern social work. She connected culture with reform in 1877 by forming the Kyrle Society with her sister which aimed to bring beauty, nature, arts and music to everyone. She is said to have had a few lesbian relationships and is buried with her partner of 30 years, Harriot.
2. Ivor Cummings
Ivor Cummings (1913-1992) was a British Civil Servant and in 1941, he became the first official of colour in the British Colonial Office, receiving an OBE for this position later, in 1948.
He was also the Secretary to the Advisory Committee on the Welfare of Colonial People in the UK. This job presented him with many important responsibilities but perhaps the most recognisable was his role in welcoming Caribbean passengers travelling on the Empire Windrush to the UK. He was instrumental in this, briefing many high-profile people of their arrival and the days before this, including the Prime Minister. When they arrived, he helped them to find jobs and places to live. If this was not possible, for example, he used an old air raid shelter until people could gain suitable housing. Throughout his life, he was passionate and openly gay, gaining the title of the ‘Gay Father of The Windrush Generation’.
3. Annie Kenney
Annie Kenney (1879-1953) was a socialist and a prominent activist in the Suffragette movement. She was inspired to fight for women’s rights after working in the harsh conditions of factories and in general experiencing what society was like for women.
In the early 1900s, she joined the Women’s Social and Political Union led by Emmeline Pankhurst and was the first working-class member. She is most known for organising protests and public demonstrations to demand women’s right to vote.
However, most notably, in 1905, along with fellow member Christabel Pankhurst, she interrupted a political meeting to demand attention to women’s voting rights. This led to her arrest and the start of her rising acknowledgement in the Suffragette movement. In prison, she continued to fight, undertaking hunger strikes and adopting militant tactics, although this was controversial. Finally, in 1910, women were given the right to vote (only if you were over 30) and Annie continued her work in politics and social reform, working for the Labour Party in her later years.
4. Charlie Kiss
Charlie Kiss (1965-2022) was an anti-nuclear activist, trade unionist and the first transgender man to stand for Parliament. At age 17, he attended an anti-nuclearism protest camp (Clapham Common Protests) at Greenham Common and was the youngest there. In 1983, along with a group he broke through the fence here, was arrested and served brief prison time.
His primary career was in the printing industry, during this, he campaigned against the poor working conditions, sexism and racism within the sector. This motivation drove his work into social housing until he died in 2022. In 2015, he stood for the Green Party in Islington and was the first Transgender man to stand for Parliament. Though he wasn’t elected, he organised a panel for the Green Party Conference focused on gender diversity and the discrimination experienced by trans, intersex and non-binary people, this encouraged the party to adopt trans-inclusive policies, a massive step forward.
5. Olaudah Equiano
Olaudah Equiano (1745-1797) was one of the leading figures in the abolitionist movement (to end slavery) during the 18th century. His early life was turbulent being bought and sold as a slave along with his sister, but he managed to break free from this in 1766, by paying off the man who owned him.
This experience inspired his work, in the UK in 1787, he cofounded Sons of Africa, a group made of previously enslaved people, this group was the first of its kind in the UK and they campaigned against chattel slavery (the system where enslaved people were treated as property by their owner). In 1789, Oludah published his memoir about his experiences of enslavery, making him one of the earliest autobiographical writer of slave narratives and challenged racial stereotypes. It was so successful that 9 editions were published during his lifetime. There is open interpretation in the book that his experiences indicate he was a queer man. !0 years after his death, The Abolition of The Slave Trade Act was passed. His influential memoir was part of the change in British attitudes that led Parliament to pass the Act.
These people aren’t just inspiring for the LGBTQIA+ community, they set an example for us all. We shouldn’t be afraid of who we are and we should fight for what we believe in. I hope you have learned something from these people, even if that is just; it’s ok to be who you are.
If you want to learn more about the organisation SCHOOL’S OUT and events for the rest of this year’s LGBTQ+ History Month, see here.
Until next time,
Sarah x
