Cultural Calendar: LGBT+ History Month

You can't choose who you fall in love with, and yet for 100's of years homosexual relationships have been punished by abuse, stigmatism and once upon a time, the death sentence. The first act again homosexuality was established in the Tudor era, where it was punishable by death. Thankfully times have moved on, but people that identify as LGBT+ still face stigma and discrimination. Persona wants staff and customers to feel comfortable and respected in their life choices and how they identify themselves.

The LGBT+ History month was started in 1994 by a Missouri high school teacher called Rodney Wilson. The month long celebration has grown internationally and it is observed on different months, in different countries. In the UK it is celebrated in February to coincide with the 2003 abolition of Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 which had stated that local authorities "Prohibition on... (a)intentionally promote homosexuality or publish material with the intention of promoting homosexuality; (b)promote the teaching in any maintained school of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship." Even after this repeal, the quest for equality still continues...

What does the Pride flag represent?

The original flag was designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978 to represent the diversity of the LGBT+ community.  Each of the colours represent things that are important for living well.

Learn more about LGBT+ History during February by visiting their Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT4nBN8y9zvWmW0kqZrSthQ/videos

meet-n-match.co.uk

meet-n-match.co.uk was launched in 2016 after Stephen Haywood found it difficult to find a positive and meaningful relationship. Since it's beginning it has grown from strength to strength to support people with learning difficulties to find new friends or a partner.  They also support the LGBT+ community. 

With Covid-19 this support has gone virtual. If you would like to join in, please email Bradley@meet-n-match.co.uk or text him on 07543 021 673