LGBTQIA+ History Month UK, the annual observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, as well as the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements, is here.

Celebrated throughout February in the UK, LGBTQIA+ History Month coincides with the abolition of section 28 in 2003, which prohibited the ‘promotion’ of sexuality in society. The repeal of this bill came about after mass protests by LGBTQIA+ campaigners.

It’s not only an acknowledgment and celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community but also a reminder that their contributions throughout history, their hard-won struggles against state institutions, are events that have shaped society today. Their history is our history.

This is an opportunity to remember those across the world who still live without rights, and that the process of building a better world for LGBTQIA+ people is still underway. To acknowledge this, we have curated a list of important books and articles, which are now free to access, as a starting point to the discussion, and encourage you to read, share and learn from this content.

Sociology

An Introduction to Sociology (Chapter 12)

This chapter outlines some of the developments in the sociological understanding of gender as a useful concept for explaining social relations and inequalities over time and in different places.

Getting Real About Inequality (Chapters 1 & 2)

This book provides a set of materials to help instructors moderate civil, productive, and social science-based discussions with their students about social statuses and identities.

Key Concepts in Medical Sociology (Chapters 3 & 5)

This chapter focuses on sex and sexuality especially in relation to health and illness, highlighting that sexuality includes both the capacity for sexual feelings and an individual’s sexual orientation or preferences.

Education

Challenging Gender Stereotypes in Education (Chapter 2)

This chapter explores key theories that explain the development of a gendered self and examines when gender stereotypes form and how they shape our experience in life.

Diversity and Inclusion in Early Childhood (Chapter 1)

The opening chapter of this book focuses on issues around inclusion in relation to gender and early childhood from the perspective of children, parents, and practitioners.

Counseling and Psychotherapy

Sexuality and Gender for Mental Health Professionals

Breaking down the complexities of gender and sexuality, this practical guide familiarizes the reader with all of the common and many of the less common sexualities, genders, and relationship forms, and explains experiences and issues relating to each.

Social Work

Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice

This book aims to provide social work students with the knowledge, values, and skills needed to become anti-oppressive in their approach to their peers, colleagues, and service users.