LGBT+ History Month 2025: Activism and Social Change

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.

LGBT+ History Month 2023: #BehindTheLens. How will history portray us 20 years from now?  

The LGBT+ History Month 2023 theme, #BehindTheLens, aims to celebrates LGBT+ peoples’ contributions to cinema and film from behind the lens. Directors, cinematographers, screen writers, producers, animators, costume designers, special effects, make-up artists, lighting directors, musicians, choreographers and beyond.

LGBT History Month is celebrated in October in the US. The UK chose to celebrate it in February because it coincides with the abolition of Section 28, which formerly stated that local authorities were not allowed to “intentionally promote homosexuality”.

One thing I would love to celebrate this LGBT History month is that for the first time in England and Wales History, in over 200 years, LGBT + people in England and Wales are now officially part of the census. 1.5 million people in England and Wales identify as LGBT+. This is great news because with visibility comes acknowledgment and validation. We exist. We are part of the community. We can officially look at providing the services the LGBT+ citizens need to live as their authentic selves without fear. To aim to put in place the necessary policies and amenities to protect the human rights and dignity of members of the LGBT+ community.

While we celebrate this development, I cannot help but be sad also. It is not yet Uhuru for our LGBT+ community. This has been a very tough month for the LGBT community in UK, especially the T part of our community. Transgender people are constantly under attack.

It has now been exactly 20 years since Section 28, the draconian law that criminalises the ‘promotion of homosexuality’ was repealed. While we have made progress in the rights of LGBT+ in the UK, we still have a massive section of our community that are constantly under attack. People are still abused and beaten up on the streets for being gay, bisexual, non-binary or Trans. Children are still being bullied in schools for identifying as LGBT+. Trans rights are heavily under attack.

Which brings me to the tragic case of Brianna Ghey. Brianna was a vivacious 16year old trans teenage girl. Brianna was found with stab wounds in a village park in Cheshire on Saturday, February 11, where she was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to her family, Brianna was a “much-loved daughter, granddaughter, and sister”.

According to the News, Cheshire Police initially said they did not believe the attack was a hate crime but now detectives said all lines of inquiry were “being explored”, including hate crime. A boy and a girl, both 15, have been charged with her murder.

It is heart-breaking that this crime was committed by anyone, and even more so, by teenagers who are children themselves. How did we get here?

It is quite common nowadays to see adults openly mock the preferred pronouns of trans and non-binary identifying people. A case in point is how the popular singer- songwriter, Sam Smith is constantly mocked on social media after they came out as non-binary.

When we disrespect peoples’ pronouns, laugh at them, or give a like on social media to comments disparaging trans and non-binary people, we lay the foundation for a hate crime. By our action or inaction, we are telling everyone, including impressionable children, that it is ok to mock LGBT+ people.

No one is born with hate; it is a learned behaviour. When children commit such atrocious hate crime, as adults, we should also take a hard look at ourselves.

Brianna suffered bullying at school but nothing much was done to address it. Her live was cut short by hate. Lots of vigils have been held in her honour. It was a shame and appalling that anti-lgbt hate words were shouted at mourners at her vigil in Birmingham. We need to do better. It is all our responsibility to demand change, not just that of the LGBT + Community.

Also, this history month, I would like us to spare a thought for the Black/ Brown LGBT+ migrants and asylum seekers who escaped draconian laws and persecution to seek refuge in UK. Most often than not, the policies we have in place further degrade them. The requirement to share graphic details of their personal lives including pictures of their sex life to prove their sexual identity is very degrading and dehumanising.

The fact that many would have to wait for years for a decision on their case is very frustrating. Also, during this period they are not allowed to work and must live on stipends. This further exposes them to exploitation from those who prey on vulnerable members of our society. Also, even if they get a favourable decision after years of waiting, they face another obstacle, that of getting a job.

Many of the LGBT + Asylum seekers are educated, have degrees, and some have postgraduate degrees. However, they soon learn that Racism is a big impediment in career choice for Black and Brown immigrants in UK. They also now have gaps in their CVs due to the years of waiting for a decision on their right to stay and work. Some employers do not value ‘overseas’ academic qualifications, especially when it is from the African continent and the Caribbean. The previous skills they had from their home countries are often sniggered at. Many are forced to apply for jobs they are overqualified for. This affects their earning power, further entrenching a poverty circle for Black/Brown immigrants.

As we celebrate this year’s theme, #BehindTheLens, let us take a closer look at the lives of our LGBT+ communities and ask ourselves, are we really doing enough to remove the barriers they face? How will history portray us when 2023 is showcased 20 years from now?

Could we make this year the turning point when we say no one is free until we are all free?

Could we make it the year we stand up for the rights of every LGBGT+ person regardless of class, gender, religion, or race?

Today, let us put ourselves right in front of the camera and act so history can record us favourably.

This LGBT+ History Month, let us learn from our past and keep standing in solidarity to make history for our communities.

Happy LGBT+ History Month.

5 Things You Should Not Ask Bisexuals

As it is LGBT History month, I have written an updated version of my blog post-5 Things You Should Not Ask a Bisexual

BISEXUALITY is romantic or sexual attraction towards same and other genders. It is attraction to men and women and it encompasses attractions to other gender identities including non-binaries. Bisexuality does not mean Man or woman; gender is not binary. There are other gender identities beyond binary. This is why Bisexuality is defined as attraction to same and other gender. The other genders could be any, multiple or all type of gender identities. Bisexuals are capable of sexual and/or emotional attraction to same gender, multiple genders or all genders.

The fact that Bisexuals do not fall into the normative heterosexual attraction narrative or the homosexual narrative, does not mean bisexuality is invalid as a sexual identity. We easily understand that heterosexuals are people who are sexually/emotionally attracted to people of opposite sex and that homosexuals are people who are attracted to same-sex. In the same vein, we can easily understand that Bisexuals are people who are capable of sexual attraction to same and other genders. It really is as simple as that.

Therefore, it’s upsetting when people say things like–

  • Bisexuals are confused.
  • Bisexuals are greedy.
  • Bisexuals do not know what they want.
  • Bisexuals just want it all.

Below are 5 Things You Should Not say to or ask a Bisexual

5 -“Maybe you are just confused?”

It is astonishing how many people still say this to bisexuals, including within the LGBTIAQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Intersex, Asexual, Queer) community. Being capable of romantic and/or sexual attraction to same and other gender does not mean Bisexuals are confused. This stereotype is not true and it is harmful to our physical and mental health.

4-“Are you not just being greedy?”

One very annoying thing about this question is the judgemental tone that usually accompanies it. No, my sexual orientation does not have anything to do with my libido or the number of partners I have or had. Bisexuals are not greedy; we just have the innate capacity to be attracted to genders different than ours. As I like to see it, as a bisexual, I am not emotionally or sexually allergic to any gender. This is not about greed.

  • There are bisexuals who are virgins. Not having any sexual experience does not disqualify anyone from identifying as bisexual. Bisexuals are born this way, we are born Bisexual.
  • There are bisexuals who are in monogamous relationships. This could be with same or opposite sex or non-binary partner.
  • There are bisexuals who are in polyamorous relationships. The partners can be of same, opposite or multiple genders.
  • There are bisexuals who are in polygamous relationships.
  • There are bisexuals who are not in any relationship.
  • There are bisexuals who have sex regularly.
  • There are bisexuals who do not have sex regularly.
  • There are bisexuals who do not have sex at all

Bisexuals are like, well, everyone else on planet earth! Our sexual orientation is not an indication of how often we have sex or the number of partners we have or how sexually greedy we are.

When you ask Bisexuals if they are not just being greedy, what.we are really saying is that being capable of sexual and/or emotional attraction to same and other genders is greedy. Don’t do this, there is no correlation between sexual orientation and greed.

3- Will you join me and my girlfriend for a threesome?
Bisexuality is a Sexual orientation, not a fantasy or fetish. This is a particularly painful stereotype because it reduces not just our sexual identity but our person to a sexual object, to be served up as an exotic dish for consumption. As a single bisexual woman who is on one or two dating sites, I know first-hand how much this question hurts, especially when it is the conversation opener. This has discouraged many bisexuals from indicating their sexual orientation on dating sites. Having to hide our identity because of the hurtful, inconsiderate actions of others only further contributes to the invisibility of Bisexuals. Just like heterosexuals and homosexuals, there are Bisexuals who are interested in threesomes and those who are not. However, we do not go around fundamentally assuming that straight people or gays are by default interested in threesomes. The frustrating part is, when we say, “No, thanks, not interested”, they come back with, “But you said you are Bisexual.” Yuk, No, just no, pls, do not be like that.

2-“Does this mean you are now lesbian/gay/Straight?”(When bisexuals date same or opposite sex)
When a Bisexual person starts a same sex relationship, it is very common for people to ask if they are now lesbian. Same goes for when we date an opposite sex person, we are asked, “are you straight now?” Hmm, actually, this fluidity is kind of the reason we are bisexuals. We exist as Bisexuals regardless of the gender of our partner.

  • The fact that I am in an opposite sex relationship does not mean I am now heterosexual.
  • My sexual orientation does not change with the gender of my partner.
  • My sexual orientation does not change every time my relationship status changes.
  • No, my sexual orientation does not change with the biological sex or gender identity of my partner.
  • Also, not having a partner or lack of sexual activity does not change my sexual orientation.
  • Yes, I am still bisexual whatever the gender, sexual or marital status of my relationship.
    Therefore,
  • Bi Girls who have only dated boys are still Bi.
  • Bi Boys who prefer boys are still Bi and vice versa.
  • Married Bi people are still Bi.
  • Bi people are Bi regardless of relationship status.

1- Was your last relationship with a man or woman?
I personally find that this question comes across as scrutinising and judgmental. It is as if they are about to score me on my sexuality. Since they already know I am bisexual, why ask this annoying question? The question is invasively scrutinising. If I said my last relationship was with a man, they start thinking, maybe she really prefers men. I am not experimenting.
If I told you my last relationship was with a woman, they start thinking, maybe she is actually a lesbian who has not accepted it yet. No, I am not in denial.

  • The gender of my last partner is not an indication of whether or not I am going to leave a new partner for the opposite sex.
  • The gender of my last partner will not indicate how I rate on the Kinsey scale or my fluid sexuality spectrum.
  • The gender of the last person I was in a relationship with is not a clue as to whether I would cheat on anyone.
  • The gender of my last partner will not tell anyone anything beyond the fact that I am bisexual.

We do not go around asking prospective straight partners if their last partner was black or white, tall or short. This would be considered distasteful and rude. So, why do we think it is OK to ask bisexuals the gender of their last partner?

I will leave you with this food for thought-

Some people like Ice-cream.
Some people like cookies
Some people like ice-cream and cookies.
Hope that was easy enough to digest.

Happy LGBT+ Month 

The First Time I Realised I was Black

I didn’t know I was black until I relocated to the UK in 2009 at the ripe old age of 34, before then, I thought I was just a human being.

Settling down in the UK, I quickly realised my skin colour mattered. It matters a lot.

I relocated to the UK in 2009 to study for my Post graduate degree in Law, specialising in Gender, Sexuality and Human rights.  Even though I had contemplated my gender, sexuality, globalisation and the catastrophic effects of unbridled capitalism, I had not given my skin colour much thought.

From the overt racism, which I encountered from the University Surgery GP, the subtle racism of some of my white lecturers (who ironically taught equality classes), the white co-workers who turned their noses up at my African accent, to the ‘behind the back’ racist stab by the white, female principal officer in my workplace, which cost me a much needed, very good job offer, I quickly realised that my skin colour mattered. [Read more…]