It is LGBT+ History Month in the UK. This year’s theme, Activism and Social Change, resonates deeply with me. LGBT+ rights have been hard-fought and hard-won, and the importance of activism cannot be overstated. Activism is what has led to social progress in countless areas, from women’s suffrage to civil rights and workers’ rights. We must remain vigilant. We cannot rest on our laurels because, sadly, what has been achieved can be eroded.
I want to express solidarity with our trans siblings in the United States, where attacks on trans rights have been escalating. Imagine waking up one day to find your identity and rights stripped away due to the prejudices of a few. Yet, even without legal recognition, the fact that trans people continue to live authentically proves that their existence is valid and cannot be disregarded.
As someone who identifies as bisexual, I’ve faced homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia firsthand. In Nigeria, the situation is dire-14 years imprisonment for same-sex relationships and 10 years for advocating LGBT+ rights. Such laws are a brutal reminder of how far we still have to go.
Activism is the force behind progress. It gave us the right to vote, freed us from slavery via Civil Rights movements, and through Trade Union activism secured workers’ rights like minimum living wage pay, healthcare, sick pay, holiday pay, weekends and pension. For LGBT+ rights, activism is not just about the rights of a few but about the human dignity of all.
To those who oppose LGBT+ rights, I ask: How does someone loving who they love or expressing their authentic identity affect your life? How does it impact the price of eggs or your daily existence? It doesn’t. Respecting others’ identities costs you nothing. Using religion or culture as a justification for hatred is dangerous. Human rights, including dignity of person should not be conditional.
Throughout history, many remarkable individuals have made significant contributions to the LGBT+ community and beyond. Here are a few notable LGBT+ figures in the UK:
Peter Tatchell: A prominent LGBT+ rights campaigner known for his work with the Gay Liberation Front and his founding of the direct action group OutRage! Tatchell has been a vocal advocate for LGBT+ rights for decades, often putting himself at great personal risk to fight for equality.
Lady Phyll Opoku: Co-founder of UK Black Pride, an organization that celebrates and promotes the cultural heritage of LGBT+ people of African, Asian, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, and Latin American descent. Lady Phyll has been a powerful voice for intersectionality within the LGBT+ community, advocating for the rights of marginalized groups.
Ivor Cummings: Dubbed the “gay father of the Windrush generation,” Cummings played a pivotal role in shaping the post-war landscape of Britain and fostering a sense of community among Caribbean migrants.
Annie Kenney: A working-class suffragette and socialist feminist who became a leading figure in the Women’s Social and Political Union.
Alan Turing: Renowned for his work in breaking German ciphers during World War II, Turing’s contributions at Bletchley Park are thought to have shortened the war by at least two years. Despite his pivotal role, he faced persecution for his sexuality.
Chris Smith: The first openly gay Member of Parliament in the UK. During his time in office, he championed LGBT+ rights and was instrumental in the repeal of Section 28, a law that banned the “promotion” of homosexuality in schools.
Ruth Hunt: Former CEO of Stonewall, a leading UK LGBT+ rights organization. She worked in various government positions, advocating for LGBT+ equality and inclusion within the civil service.
These individuals have made significant contributions to the LGBT+ community and beyond, leaving a lasting impact on history through their activism, resilience, and dedication to advancing LGBT+ rights.
This month, let’s celebrate the trailblazers who have fought for our rights and remember that activism remains crucial. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to continue fighting for a world where everyone can live freely, with dignity and respect.