2026 marks the 22nd UK LGBT+ History Month. The month highlights the incredible things LGBT+ people in all our diversity have achieved throughout history, in all areas of life.
Following the repeal of Section 28, Schools Out founded UK LGBT+ History Month to be a dedicated space to celebrate our rich and diverse history.
The 2026 @lgbthistorymonth theme is Science and Innovation and celebrates the contributions of LGBT+ people historically and today.
Alongside celebrating LGBT+ people, it is important to highlight the harm that LGBT+ people have historically faced as a result of the ways in which science has been explored and misapplied in the past, such as through the medicalisation and pathologisation of LGBT+ identities, and how we still need to address this today.
In line with the theme for LGBT History month, Schools Out have highlighted the following five LGBT+ figures for their contributions to science:
⚙️ Barbara Burford, a medical researcher who established NHS equality and diversity guidelines
⚙️ Charles Beyer, a locomotive engineer and a founding member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers
⚙️Elke Mackenzie, a botanist who researched lichens in Antarctica
⚙️Jemma Redmond, a biotechnologist who developed 3D bioprinters to create tissues and organs
⚙️ Robert Boyle, a founder of modern chemistry and of the modern scientific method
There are a number of LGBT History Month events happening across South West Wales throughout February. Check out the SwanScene App for further details.