February LGBT+ Network Presents 2021

LGBT+ History Month Newsletter

Hello and welcome to this jam-packed newsletter celebrating LGBT+ History Month!

Each year, February marks LGBT+ History Month in the UK, and it is where people across the isles celebrate and educate themselves about LGBT+ issues and history which have been ignored or glossed over in the past. This month, we also take a forward look to the future and see how we can continue to make our society, and the world, a more open and equal place for all and how to make strides in that direction.

Throughout history, people who are LGBT+ have been criminalised, attacked, shamed, and killed for their gender or sexuality in the UK, and this is still the case in so many countries across the world. The UK makes up only one of the 29 countries around the world with marriage We’re here primarily to support LGBT+ equality, compared to 72 where being trans staff, but are open to all – we don’t or having a non-heterosexual relationship is require anyone to identify themselves punished. “No-one is equal until everyone is as LGBT+ to support our work, so allies equal” is a powerful quote, and its truth rings (anyone who wants to help support the clear to this day. LGBT+ community) and people who are questioning are welcome too. Our Throughout this newsletter, we wanted to ultimate goal is to make sure that our highlight the timeline from the early 14th working environment is friendly and century to now, to show the path of progress supportive for everyone. and how many hard fought battles have been won for LGBT+ rights to be where they are today. If you would like to learn more about the Along with this timeline, we’ve included an network, including information on how to LGBT+ book club, mythbusting, a look at gender join, please email: and the gender spectrum, and mental health and wellbeing tips along with much more! [email protected]

None of this could be done without the Please be assured that all emails that go amazing work of Creative Support’s incredible to the LGBT+ Network inbox are treated LGBT+ Network, and we want to highlight this with absolute confidence. community of open-minded and lovely people who meet on a regular basis. Major Moments in LGBT+ History Mental Health and Wellbeing tips and resources

LGBT+ rights may seem like a new issue in the political sphere to those unfamiliar with the While anybody can experience difficulties with their mental health at any time in their lives, history, but LGBT+ identities are nothing new. The timeline below highlights some key dates studies have shown that LGBT+ people are significantly more likely to be affected than straight throughout LGBT+ history in terms of social, political and legislative change, representation and and cisgendered people. visibility. Around 25% of the whole population will experience a significant mental health problem in their lives, compared to more than 40% of LGBT+ people. This can be down to a number of factors, such as discrimination and prejudice amongst others. 1395 1533 1732 1835 1951 1957 Eleanor/John Rykener is King Henry The term, On the 27th Roberta Cowell The arrested for prostitution VIII passes the ‘’, November makes history as Wolfenden We’ve pulled together some health and wellbeing tips and techniques that may help with the in London, and is found ‘Buggery Act enters the 1835, the last the first known Report is to have identified as 1533’, making all English two men to British trans woman published, day-to-day grind, along with a list of LGBT+ organisations who offer more tailored help and both male and female male/male sexual language as be executed to undergo gender- paving the advice. at different times. This activity (“sodomy”) a descriptor for sodomy in reassignment way for future is one of the earliest punishable by of same sex England are surgery. LGBT+ rights examples of gender death. relations James Pratt and policy nonconformity in British between and John changes. Take a break or slow down Try to get outside at least once a day history. women. Smith. It can often be difficult to do either of these This may seem incredibly basic, but this things, but giving your brain a breather is really can be a bit of a challenge at times. important. Taking five minutes in the morning to Try getting out on your lunch break, go do a bit of deep breathing or meditation before 1967 outside and breathe in some fresh air 1992 1981 1972 1969 1988 The ‘Sexual Offences you start work can give you a clean and calm slate for a few minutes. If the weather’s nice, The WHO On 12th The first official UK The Riots is Act’ decriminalises finally December 1981, Pride Rally takes start on 28th June 1969 to start the day off with. why not sit in the sunshine and enjoy your lunch put into British homosexual acts declassifies a 49-year old place in London on in New York, kicking law, banning the between two men, somewhere you can’t check your emails. same-sex gay man the 1st July 1972 off the modern LGBT+ “promotion” by but only where both attraction becomes the to coincide with civil rights movement local authorities are aged 21 or above. as a first recorded the ’ as we understand it (including schools) The relationship must Keep in touch with friends and family mental person in the anniversary. today. This is generally If you’re struggling at work, talk to of be between only two illness. UK to die from considered as an acceptable people and acts can an AIDS-related the world’s Yes we’re living in a pandemic, but your line manager or HR substitute for only take place in a illness. first Pride we’re also living in a pandemic in ‘traditional family private residence. values’. march. the 21st century. We may all be You should never suffer in silence, and speaking getting a bit fed up with Zoom, but through an issue with a trusted colleague or senior writing an email to a friend you will mean that actions can be put in place to help haven’t spoken to in a while, or you through any difficulties. People are here to sending them a funny selfie, can help and listen, no matter how trivial you may 1999 2000 - 2003 2004 2013 2017 2020-2021 keep the connection flowing and, if needed, help Gwendolyn Ann Section 28 is Civil partnerships The Marriage (Same The “ Law” A private think it seems. Smith, a trans repealed in are legalised in Sex Couples) Act is passed in England member’s bill you to reconnect with someone. woman, founds the in and , pardoning to add an ‘X’ the UK for same- is introduced and Speak with a professional Day 2000. After some sex couples. A comes into effect the men who were gender marker to If you’re anxious about restarting a connection, of Remembrance challenges from poll published following year, with cautioned or convicted British passports after the murder the House of Lords, earlier this year the first same-sex under historical for non-binary remember that we are all living in an There are lots of organisations out there who offer of another trans England, Wales showed that marriages taking legislation targeting people is brought unprecedented time and people understand that. and Northern 63% of Brits to the House of counselling and therapy for people who are LGBT+ woman, Rita Hester. place on 29th March homosexual acts. If you message them saying ‘hey, what’s new with Ireland follow suit supported this. 2014. Commons. It will and will help you with any general or specific in 2003. be further debated you’, you’ll be back chatting like old times in a issues you’re having with 100% confidentiality. this year. flash. Below we’ve rounded up a few organisations that can offer help and advice

Resources Health Assured: Creative Support’s 24/7 Mind: Information and resources for improving Switchboard: LGBT+ helpline, ran between African Rainbow Family: Support for employee assistance programme which offers your mental health and wellbeing, with some 10am-10pm everyday via webchat, phone call, LGBT+ People of African Heritage including all of our staff telephone and online support for pages offering an LGBT+ focus. mind.org.uk / and email. .lgbt / 0300 330 0630 / Refugees and wider Black and Asian Minority all of life’s problems and provides emotional 0300 123 3393 / [email protected] [email protected] Ethnic Groups africanrainbowfamily.org / support. 0800 030 5182 MindOut: LGBT+ mental health service providing Resources and a local directory [email protected] / 07711285567 Hidayah: A volunteer-led organisation with Stonewall UK: information, resources, and advice, along with a of LGBT+ inclusive services. stonewall.org.uk Consortium: Provide an extensive directory of projects and activities developed for the free instant messenger service. mindout.org.uk local LGBT+ groups who can provide tailored needs of LGBT+ Muslims. hidayahlgbt.com / support. consortium.lgbt [email protected] LGBT+ Book Club Get Involved at your service If you want to get involved in LGBT+ History Myth Busting We’ve pulled together some of our favourite LGBT+ books and made a book club! We’ve included Month at your service or any time of year, Do you have any questions to ask the LGBT+ a range of genres, including fiction, sci-fi, young adult, graphic novels, and non-fiction so there there are some ideas below to get you started! Network? Then write them down and email should be something for everyone! Some of the books have Trigger Warnings (TW) them to [email protected] Host a book club or film night 1. Trans Britain edited by Christine Burns (TW: Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe Read and explore a book from the LGBT+ book Do you have a story you would like to share? Homophobia, violence) ‘I chose this book because it is one of my club or pick a film (there are lots of ‘best’ lists We’re really keen to hear from staff and service 2. Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender (TW: favourite pieces of LGBTQ+ art and I think online for interesting LGBT+ films). After the users alike, so if you want to share your stories, Racism, homophobia, transphobia) it will resonate with anybody who has ever film have a question and answering session. opinions, facts, etc. then please get in touch felt different or like an outsider. This book 3. A Single Man by Christopher Isherwood. validated so many gender-queer feelings Discussion on the timeline Visit LGBT+ History Month website for more Fiction (TW: Death, suicidal ideation, unwanted that I have experienced throughout my Explore how things have changed/what still ideas sexual advances, grief) lifetime and even if you haven’t had similar needs to be done – are you surprised by They have loads of resources and events that 4. Ancillary Justice by Anne Leckie (TW: War, experiences to Maia, you will still anything on the timeline? You could create are happening throughout the year violence, gender dysphoria, death) be able to empathise with their your own timeline and include inspirational lgbtplushistorymonth.co.uk journey to self-discovery. Plus, people who have helped change history. 5. Queer: A Graphic History by Meg John who doesn’t love a book with Did you know that August is Pride month? Barker and Jules Schele (TW: Homophobia, pictures?! - Hazel Host a Quiz You can research local events taking place over transphobia, violence, assault) Quizzes are a fun way to engage in the bigger the summer or let us know how you think this 6. Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe (TW: picture of the LGBT+ experience. Click the link can be celebrated? Homophobia, references to sexual themes, bit.ly/2Nxjb6X to dowload our LGBT+ History Email [email protected] with contains some graphic images) Month quiz your ideas and how you’ve been celebrating Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda LGBT+ history month 7. Gender Trouble by Judith Butler (TW: Homophobia, sexism, transphobia) by Becky Albertalli Snippets of your stories “Keep strong, don’t 8. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by I read this book in January of this year, ignore praise, but filter out all Becky Albertalli (TW: Homophobia) having seen the film in 2018, and I have “Getting an bullying and abuse. They don’t deserve to say that while the book is still aimed undercut didn’t stop people from the good feelings they get when they 9. Proud by Juno Dawson at a teen/young adult readership, the assuming that I’m straight, but I’m glad (TW: Homophobia, transphobia) know they have hurt you. Hold your book certainly seems a bit more adult in that it didn’t. If it had, my fears would have head up - you are worth something, and 10. The Glamour Boys: The Secret Story of the nature. At times the film, ‘Love, Simon’, been confirmed: that femininity and queerness you mean a lot to someone even if it is Rebels who Fought for Britain to Defeat did shy away from some of these more are mutually exclusive. Instead it taught me a someone you are yet to meet.” Hitler by Chris Bryant (TW: Homophobia, war, mature aspects, presumably to appeal lesson. It taught me that yes, I can change my -Emlyn death) to a more mainstream audience, but appearance in an effort make people see “the the original book is braver in discussing real” me, but it’s a waste of time if the things 11. The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar that I do feel inauthentic to who I am as a (TW: Islamophobia, homophobia, internalized some of the more intimate parts of homophobia) discovering one’s sexuality. person and how I feel comfortable presenting. So I let it grow out. The locks which were once “As much as being an out non binary 12. Drag: The Complete Story by Simon I wish this book – and its film shaved short now sit in soft curls at the nape person is a challenge, I feel more Doonan (TW: Homophobia, transphobia, racism) adaptation, for that matter – had of my neck, constantly falling out of my pony comfortable being myself than I ever existed when I was still struggling with tail and reminding me that I can change my was beforehand. It’s increased my 13. Conundrum by Jan Morris (TW: Gender my own sexuality. Even now though, it appearance if I want to, but my appearance confidence to no end, because I know in dysphoria, medical procedures, homophobia, my mind that this is who I am, and it is transphobia) is a heartwarming read as a gay man, doesn’t dictate my identity.” and it gives hope that, broadly speaking, - Hazel wonderful to finally have a name for it.” 14. Soft on Soft by Mina Waheed (TW: References things are getting better, - Abby to parental death, panic attacks, acephobia) and younger generations are feeling more comfortable Want to read more? 15. Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides (TW: Intersex about being their authentic These quotes are from full articles from staff and service users from Creative Support, who prejudice and offensive terminology, gender explore their own personal journeys to acceptance, love, and triumph. These honest and dysphoria, racism, incest, death, homophobia, selves. – Luke medical procedures, injury) inspirational articles show the power of the individual, and the strength that comes from understanding. Thank you so much to our contributors for telling us their stories, which can be found by visiting www.creativesupport.co.uk/lgbt-history-month-our-stories/ People who sit closer to the female end of the Glossary spectrum may choose to use the pronouns The Gender Spectrum ‘she/her/hers’, whereas people who identify closer to the male end may choose to use Intersex - Someone who was born with ‘he/him/his’. For people who identify across genetic and/or physical characteristics that the spectrum, or outside of it, they may use don’t clearly map onto either male or female In our society, the terms ‘sex’ and ‘gender’ are transgender. The ‘T’ in LGBT+ stands for trans gender neutral pronouns. The most common Cisgender - Someone who identifies with used to describe whether someone is a ‘man’ or trans*. The asterisk here acts as an umbrella gender neutral pronouns are ‘they/them/ their birth gender or a ‘woman’. There is an assumption that for all non-cisgender people and not just trans theirs’, but some people may also use ‘xe’, Someone who doesn’t associate ‘ze’, ‘sie’, ‘c’, and ‘ey’. People may also choose Agender - someone’s genitals says what gender they are, men or trans women. This is because some with any gender and exists outside the but this is not the case. people don’t sit at either end of the spectrum gender neutral titles such as ‘Mx’ or choose gender spectrum and fall somewhere in-between. not to use them at all. People who are not Gender and sexuality are not the same, cisgender may also change their name so Transgender/trans/trans* - People who and shouldn’t be used as swappable terms. Someone who doesn’t sit at either end of the that it closer aligns with their gender. don’t identify with their birth gender are Sexuality refers to people’s sexual orientation, spectrum, but somewhere in between, is non- trans, although some non-binary people prefer not to be termed as trans. Trans* is the such as heterosexual and homosexual, binary. For example, someone who is non- If somebody asks you to use a different name encompassing umbrella for all non-cisgender binary is neither male or female, and can be or pronouns to refer to them, it might feel whereas gender refers to traits which we people. assume somebody to have based on their birth found anywhere on the spectrum that they difficult at first, but it is extremely important sex. For example, someone born with female feels fits best. Somebody may also use the to respect them and use the correct terms. Non-binary- Someone who is neither male or term to describe this. genitals will be considered to be a woman ‘genderqueer’ When you use somebody’s old name, it female, and sits somewhere on the gender and will be expected to do more ‘female’ is called ‘dead naming’. Dead naming is spectrum that they feel best represents things in life. This might mean we expect them Somebody who is non-binary or genderqueer dangerous for a few reasons. Firstly because them. Genderqueer is another term someone may use instead of non-binary. to be nurturing, gentle, and ‘girly’. We also may present themselves as a mixture of male if someone has changed their name it means and female genders, or they may choose to might expect them to present themselves that they don’t feel comfortable with their Genderfluid - Someone who is genderfluid is in a feminine way, such as with long hair or present in a way which aligns with the gender old name being used. Secondly, you may ‘out’ also considered non-binary, but their gender wearing makeup. they were assigned at birth. It’s a common somebody without their consent, meaning isn’t fixed at one point on the spectrum and assumption that non-binary people have to that you might share that they are trans* can change over time. appear androgynous, but there is no right or without their permission. In reality though a person’s gender doesn’t Third gender - In some cultures around the always match the sex that they were born wrong way to be non-binary. The way that someone dresses doesn’t always show their world, a third gender is part of standard with. Some people identify with the gender If you accidentally use someone’s dead gender expression with their own roles and gender, and you can’t tell someone’s gender that they were assigned at birth, and feel name or old pronouns in a conversation then characteristics in their society comfortable presenting that way. Some people just by looking at them. correct yourself and move on. If they correct Dead name/Deadnaming - This is when are intersex, which means that they were born you, you may want to apologise to them but it Someone who is genderfluid is also considered is important that you aren’t putting them into someone changes their name to more with different genitals than just male or female closely align with their gender, and someone non-binary, but their gender isn’t ‘fixed’ at one a position where they have to tell you that it’s and can present themselves how they prefer. refers to them as their old, or ‘dead’ name. For others their gender may be different to point on the spectrum and can change over okay, or comfort you. Instead, say thank you their biological sex and could be somewhere time. Courtney Act, the winner of Big Brother and carry on your conversation. UK, is genderfluid. between male and female, or it could be fluid in between the two. In some cultures, a third gender is part Important Things to Remember of standard gender expression. In Native The term ‘gender spectrum’ explains this world American and First Nation Canadian culture, for Because we are taught that gender and sex are the same thing, learning about the gender between male and female and beyond this example, people who identify outside of male spectrum can feel overwhelming. It is okay if you don’t get everything right at first, but ‘binary’. It may help to think of the spectrum and female are known as ‘two spirit’ in English. the most important things to remember are: as a sliding scale with male at one end and Other cultures, such as the Chambri tribe in female at the other. People who identify with Papua New Guinea have completely reversed their birth gender are called ‘cisgender’ and gender roles to our own. 1. Gender is not the same as sex means that they will be at one end of the 2. You can exist at any point on the gender spectrum and express that in whatever way feels scale or another. For some people, they don’t When somebody realises that they don’t natural to you associate with the spectrum and exist outside identify with their birth gender, they may make 3. There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to be trans, non-binary, gender queer or gender fluid of it and are agender. some changes in their life in order to feel more 4. You need to respect people’s pronouns and use a different name if they ask you to comfortable. This might include changing their 5. If somebody corrects you for making a mistake, thank them and move on Someone who identifies with the opposite names or their pronouns. gender to their birth gender may identify as 6. Every form of gender expression is beautiful, valid, and worthy of respect LGBT+ Assumptions and Myth Busting

There are lots of assumptions and stereotypes out there about people in the LGBT+ community so we thought we’d do a bit of myth-busting and share a little bit of background about why these assumptions are not the case!

‘Being trans/gender-fluid/genderqueer/ ‘LGBT+ people have equality nowadays non-binary is a new thing’ because they can get married’

Absolutely not! Trans* people have existed I’m afraid not. Unfortunately this isn’t the since the beginning of human history under case, and there are still many countries various names and identifiers. In some around the world where LGBT+ people face cultures around the world, including India and persecution, and in some cases the death within Native American history, ‘third gender’ penalty, for their sexual orientation and their or ‘two-spirit’ people are an intrinsic part of gender. In the UK, we still have a long way to society with our concept of gender nowadays go to have equality, with equal marriage being being a very Western idea. just one of the steps along the way.

‘ have short hair and if you have ‘Being LGBT+ means you can’t have children’ short hair you’re a lesbian’

Nah! People can express themselves however Definitely not! People can choose to have they feel comfortable, or how they want to children no matter their sexual orientation present themselves to society. Some lesbians through lots of means, including adoption, have short hair, some lesbians have long hair, surrogacy, IVF, and more. People LGBT+ will and some lesbians have no hair; and all are also not stop you from being a fantastic par- equally beautiful and it doesn’t diminish their ent- think about single-parent families - not sexuality. having a mum or a dad doesn’t stop you from growing up to be a wonderful and well-round- ed person, so why should this be any different for LGBT+ families? ‘LGBT+ people aren’t religious’

‘Being Trans* means having surgery’ No! While some religions are outwardly against LGBT+ people, there are various interpretations of religious texts that don’t Not at all! Some trans* people decide to have view homosexuality as a sin. Ultimately surgery and some people don’t. Also, having or though, belief is a very personal thing and not having surgery doesn’t make you any less there are lots of LGBT+ people are also or any more trans*- each person’s transition religious - the two don’t have to be opposing! will be a personal journey and involve different things. If you have ever wanted to ask a question to someone from the LGBT+ community then please send it [email protected]. We’ll try to answer as many as we can. There are no silly questions, but please remember to be kind!

If you are a Creative Support staff member and would like to get involved with the LGBT+ network please email [email protected]