LGBT+ History Month 2023

LGBT+ History Month is here! We’re sharing some helpful information around what it is, why it’s important, and why mental health is key to the conversation. 

Quick links

• 15 gender identity terms to help build an inclusive workplace
• What’s going on in Bradford?

Check out our 12 minute short film in partnership with The Cellar Trust

Mind in Bradford’s CEO Helen Davey and The Cellar Trust‘s Head of Service David Grant Roberts talk about their experiences of growing up LGBTQ+, coming out, finding acceptance, and how we can all continue to support the LGBTQ+ community in Bradford and beyond.

What is LGBT+ history month?

• LGBT+ history month happens every February in the UK. It’s a month to celebrate the history of LGBTIQ+ communities and look back at the progress that’s been made over the years.
• The theme for 2023’s LGBT+ history month is ‘Behind the Lens’ and celebrates LGBT+ peoples’ contribution to cinema and film.

Why is it important?

• LGBT+ History Month is hugely important. It’s a month where we can all remember the people that fought for LGBTIQ+ rights in the past. A chance for people of all ages to learn more about the rich history of LGBTIQ+ communities. And a moment to remember just how far we’ve come over the years.

Why is it important to the Mind network?

• LGBT+ History Month will always be important to the Mind network. It’s a moment for us to celebrate the history and the progress that’s been made by LGBTIQ+ people, and to lift up their stories about how mental health affects them.
• But even with all that progress, LGBTIQ+ people are still more likely to face discrimination. Abuse. Stigma. And even today hate crimes against LGBTIQ+ people have been on the rise.

Tell me more about LGBTIQ+ mental health.

• We know that LGBTIQ+ people are around two or three times more likely to experience a mental health problem than straight people who identify with the gender given to them at birth. Homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, difficult experiences of coming out – these are just a few of the things that might contribute.
• In 2018, report by Stonewall found that over half the LGBTIQ+ people they spoke to had experienced depression in the past year, with another 10% saying they think they’d experienced it too.
• Things are still difficult for bisexual people too. Research from Stonewall has found people who are bi are 13% more likely to experience depression than gay and lesbian people. The same report found that they’re more likely to face discrimination from within the community – all because of their identity.
• Rates of depression were higher for trans people – 67% said they’d experienced depression in the same past year. For non-binary people it was higher still, with 70% saying that they’d also experienced depression too.
• And in a climate where hate crimes are on the rise, that same research shows that LGBTIQ+ people who’ve had that experience are more likely (69%) to experience depression.
• The impact that discrimination and isolation has on the mental health of LGBTIQ+ people is clear, and completely avoidable. That’s why we all need to do more to make sure things change – for the better.

If you’re struggling with your mental health, you’re not alone – call our free helpline Guide-Line on 08001 884 884 to talk to someone today. If you’d rather not speak on the phone, you can talk to us via live chat.

Posted on: 1st February 2023