LGBT History Month is an opportunity for all of us to learn more about the histories of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Britain and Northern Ireland. As it says on its website, it promises to claim our history, celebrate our present and creating our future.

We spoke to Paul Patrick, one of the main organisers of the event, to find out more about the queer celebration, what he thinks is the most important date in gay history and how we can make it easier to enjoy our sexuality!

What’s the idea behind LGBT History Month?
For true equality to occur legislation is not enough, cultural change is necessary. We initiated LGBT History Month UK to be part of that process of change. It was originally aimed specifically at schools and colleges, but very quickly expanded to include all areas of our cultural lives from pubs through churches, art galleries, museums, cinema, theatre and workplaces.

Why do you think gay men and women are still sometimes reluctant to be open and proud about their sexuality?
Being open about your LGBT status still comes at a heavy price for most of us. It is still very dangerous for us to express even the simplest signs of affection in public anywhere outside the very few gay tolerance zones. Being out at work frequently means abuse, lack of promotion, suffering alienation and pressure to resign. Current legislation simply means that people have to be subtler about how they proceed – that’s all!

What can be done to change this?
Again we are looking at cultural change. Of course mainly people coming out and giving LGBT people a human face brings this about. This is the vicious circle in which we are trapped. Come out and change the world, making it safer for others to do so in the future but in the meantime put yourself at risk or remain closeted and nothing changes. LGBT History month is an attempt to influence the culture without everyone having to put themselves on the line!

Obviously, LGBT History Month is a great way for schools to educate, mark and celebrate the lives and achievements of gay people, but what can adults get out of it?
Exactly the same as students. Education does not only occur in schools and colleges, nor finish when you are eighteen. Understanding the length and breadth of LGBT achievement can only be good for all of us as individuals and society as a whole. It can also be engaging, enjoyable and enlightening. It is only by knowing where we came from that we can understand where we are and then plan for our futures.

What do you hope people will take away with them after reading about or taking part in LGBT History Month?
Enjoyment, enlightenment, enhanced self-esteem, understanding and solidarity.

So what was it that inspired you to get involved?
In 1964 Alan Horsfall initiated the first modern British gay organisation made up entirely of what would then have been called “self-confessed homosexuals” in a miner’s cottage just outside Bolton. They were incredibly brave holding public meetings whilst male homosexuality was still illegal and the police vicious. I remain inspired by their example.

What else? My family who told me I was always as worthy as anybody else, that injustice needed fighting and equality should be a given. My friends, my colleagues and the pupils I have taught over the past thirty odd years. My fellow campaigners, the trades union movement and especially my co-chair at Schools OUT and LGBT History Month, Sue Sanders, with whom I have worked on the issues for thirty years.

The events take place throughout February. Was there any particular reason why this month was picked?
It was the second choice after October – already Black History Month. Chosen because it’s a dead month just waiting for a bit of life to be injected into it. Interestingly the US has LGBT History Month in October and Black History Month in February – so they had the same thought!

You're asking people to send in their suggestions for their favourite LGBT person from history. So who would you pick?
Alan Horsfall – still alive and still campaigning!

What about a significant gay date? Is there a particular event or moment in history that you think was the most important for the gay community?
Back to that miner’s cottage in 1964. But also the creation of the North West Law Reform group.

There’s a number of exciting activities taking place throughout February, is there anything you’re particularly looking forward to?
All of them; the great and the small, the serious and the frivolous – the frivolous especially. We need to enjoy who we are an awful lot more! I am lucky as I’m working for LGBT History Month during February and get the chance to go to events all over the country!

People can choose which ones they fancy by going on to our website, www.lgbthistorymonth.org.uk, and checking out the calendar. It’s still not too late for them to organise their own event! LGBT history month belongs to all of us – let us enjoy it!

How can people get involved with LGBT History Month?
Access the website, explore it – it’s fun and it gets bigger daily! Organise an event. Check out the calendar and attend as many events as they can. Join our mailing list for regular mailings about the Month by emailing listmgr@lgbthistorymonth.org.uk. You can also nominate your most inspiring LGBT person and give us your stories, photos etc for our archive.

Tell the world and have fun!

Gay History Features (more coming soon!):

Out in History
Top Ten: Modern Queers
Top Ten: Historical Queers
Significant Queers
Vox Pop: Queer Dates
Gay Dates
Queer Scandals
Homo History
Fact File: Queer Museums
Vox Pop: Gay History

Find out more at www.lgbthistorymonth.org.uk.

Get Out of the Past: Gay and Lesbian History from 1869 to the Present, Neil Miller’s excellent and award-winning book. Buy online and save money.