Knowing the history of the LGBTQ+ community allows us a better awareness of how important it is to keep making societal progression and reminds us how crucial it is to fight for a more accepting and inclusive world. Many people stood up against injustice and fought for their and others freedom, and this is something we should remember. Whether you are directly a part of the LGBTQ+ community, or an ally, lets reflect on some of the defining moments in LGBTQ+ history.
- 1951 – the first recorded sex reassignment surgery takes place with Roberta Cowell, a trans female.
- 1958 – the Homosexual Law Reform Society was established, and they campaigned for same sex marriages to be legalised.
- 1966 – the Beaumont Society was formed, aiming to educate the public about transgender people, and this remains the largest transgender organisation within the UK.
- 1970 – the London Gay Liberation Front is established in response to the effects of the Gay Liberation Front in America, formed after the Stonewall Riots.
- 1972 – the first ever Pride march occurs in London, with 2000 attendees – now it is thought to attract 1.5 million participants in London, with other events hosted nationwide.
- 1978 - the pride flag, now a recognisable symbol for the LBGTQ+ community, was designed by artist and gay rights activist Gilbert Baker.
- 1988 – Stonewall UK was founded, the largest LGBTQ+ organisation in Europe, in response to section 28 (a government act banning authorities from ‘promoting’ homosexuality).
- 1992 – homosexuality was declassified as a mental illness by the World Health Organisation.
- 1994 – the Isle of Man decriminalise homosexuality.
- 1998 – Lord Waheed Alli becomes the first openly gay member of the House of Lords, advocating for the age of consent for homosexuals to be lowered to 16, the same as heterosexuals. Additionally, he is one of the few openly gay politicians from a Muslim background.
- 2000 – the UK government allows lesbian, gay and bisexual soldiers to join the armed forces.
- 2002 – same sex couples receive the same adoption rights as heterosexual couples.
- 2004 – the Gender Recognition Act was passed, allowing transgender people to identify with their chosen gender and get a new birth certificate.
- 2006 – UK Black Pride officially launched, praised for its inclusive and intersectional approach to LGBTQ+ issues. It is now the largest celebration in Europe for LGBTQ+ people of African, Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin American and Caribbean heritage.
- 2014 – same sex marriage is legalised following the passing of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) bill.
The journey towards LGBTQ+ rights in the UK is by no means over, but it is crucial for us as a society to reflect on those who have made sacrifices for the society we have today. This is by no means an exhaustive list of defining moments in LGBTQ+ history, and whilst the milestones above are to be celebrated, we must continue this conversation and remember how important the fight from equality still is. If there is something you would like added to this list, email info@exeterguild.com