LGBT+ History Month 2025: Activism & Social Change

Now in its 20th year, LGBT+ History Month is celebrated every February across the UK - paying tribute to the lives of those before us, and helping people today learn more about what it means to be living as a member of the queer community.

Well, 2025 is no different to the mantra of 2005, with each year bringing a new theme, and a new focus, for us to reflect on the power of being an LGBTQ+ person.

The movement has grown exponentially since its first incarnation, expanding from being a moment for pupils in schools to learn, to becoming an event for everyone to, in some way, expand their horizons.

Read more: Pride Month 2024: A look back into our history

Organisers behind the month say it has three objectives:

• To 'claim our past'
• To 'celebrate our present'
• To 'create our future'

2025: Activism and Social Change

'Activism and Social Change' follows a plethora of themes - everything from film and TV to social justice.

Schools OUT, who organise the annual event, say this year's topic 'is a fantastic opportunity to explore the contribution of LGBT+ people to making the world a better place for all of us'.

And every year, they also shine a very important spotlight on a number of notable activists throughout LGBT+ history, and this year, Octavia Hill, Ivor Cummings, Annie Kenney, Charlie Kiss and Olaudah Equiano are the standout figures.

Announcing their notable activists at a "launch event" in November, they reflected on their important work in bringing awareness and inclusion across society.

This year doesn't just mark two decades of LGBT+ History Month in the UK, but also 50 years of the organisation behind it all: Schools OUT.

And this year's important historical figures are all selected because of their recognition for being influential powers around this year's theme.

• Octavia Hill (1838-1912): A co-founder of the National Trust, author of the term 'The GreenBelt' and social housing pioneer
• Ivor Cummings (1913-1992): British civil servant of Sierra Leonean ancestry, in 1941 he became the first black official in the British Colonial Office, and has been dubbed the 'gay father of the Windrush generation'
• Annie Kenney (1879-1953): Was a working-class mill worker suffragette and socialist feminist who became a leading figure in the Women's Social and Political Union
• Charlie Kiss (1965-2022): Became an anti-nuclear activist at Greenham Common, trade unions and first transgender man to stand for Parliament
• Olaudah Equiano (1745-1797): An influential writer, abolitionist, co-founder of the sons of Africa; whose book had nine editions in his lifetime

The Badge

Just like there's a different theme every year, there's also a fresh new badge released to highlight each different annual theme - with organisers Schools OUT launching a fresh new competition with pupils up and down the country.

The 2025 design was created by 12-year-old Emily, who attends St Anthony’s Girls’ Catholic Academy in Sunderland - and it was revealed as a special ceremony back in November.

Emily and her mum Mandy spoke to Hits Radio about the honour - who explained the design: "I designed it to be a megaphone, because I think people deserve to be heard.

"Sometimes people might need a little bit of help to be heard, and I came up with it at the club I go to at school - so I just entered it.

"I was just amazed that people liked my badge so much!

"Everyone's been so nice about it - and my teacher who told me about the competition is really happy for me."

The badge is being used across all of the marketing and promotional material by this year's campaign - but Mum Mandy said that she didn't even know Emily had entered the contest!

She added: "We are really proud.

"We are a neurodiverse family, so diversity is really important to us - and having people like Emily standing up for people's rights is really touching, that she cares about other people so much.

"Generally, it seems to me that it's the older generations who need to embrace diversity more - Emily's school is really accepting, which is lovely to see.

"All of the family have the badge now too - we've got about ten of them - and of course I've shared the awesome news on Facebook!

It's all about a message of solidarity and bringing representation to communities who need the recognition - and it's something Emily reflected on.

She said: "The world doesn't feel perfect at the moment, and I think the least people can do is accept others.

"People deserve to feel however they want to feel, and be whoever they want to be.

"Maybe, if we accepted each other more, then we could all be a little happier."

The Proud Trust

One of the organisations which supports the work - and spreads the word - of LGBT+ History Month is The Proud Trust, who support young people through youth groups, peer support, and mentoring programs.

Their roots are in Manchester, when, back then, the Gay Youth Group came together at a purpose-built centre in the city.

Since then, they've prioritised working with young people to help tackle discrimination and celebrate diversity.

Rachel Williams is from the organisation, who explained why latest stats from the ONS revealed more under-24s are identifying as lesbian, gay or bisexual.

They said: "Perhaps there has previously been a fear to be open, and to be honest.

"What has changed is the amount of visibility, and representation, where people see themselves reflected in the media, for instance.

"We're certainly not seeing more LGBT+ people, but what we are seeing is more people having the ability to be open about who they are, and that can't be a bad thing.

"And in schools, we're seeing a much broader range of teachers and staff taking on the mantle of LGBT+ inclusion.

"That's vital in ensuring the needs of young people are met, as that's the responsibility of all of us, and not those members of staff who just want to talk about these issues."

To mark LGBT History Month, the Trust have launched a raft of resources for both primary schools and secondary schools, which you can find out more about here.

Rachel told us schools are nowadays far more open to talking about issues impacting the LGBTQ+ community, but February is a good way of reminding us all that there's a long way to go.

They added: "I've been involved in LGBT education for the past 13 years, and I've seen significant change in that time.

"Schools are increasingly more open to discussing topics around the queer community, but the important thing we have to remember is actually about the parents of these pupils.

"What we've got to remember is that they may never have had LGBT positive education, like the young people of today receive.

"Any initiative that we can hook positive education is a good thing, and it's our duty and responsibility, through our work, and especially on our social media channels, to give hope.

"LGBT+ History Month is a really good opportunity to raise awareness, look at where we've been and think about the work that still needs to happen."

Football vs Homophobia

February doesn't just mark a month for LGBT+ history - but it is also used as a time for those in and around 'the beautiful game' to reflect on just how far football has come... and just how far the sport still needs to go.

It's run by the Football v Homophobia (FvH) organisation, which issues its own call to action to leagues, clubs, coaches, officials, players and fans across the game, urging them to take a strong vocal stand against all forms of anti-LGBTIQ+ discrimination.

Last year saw the campaign's 15th anniversary.

At the time, Lou Englefield, FvH's campaign director, said: “So much has changed since 2010.

"LGBTIQ+ fans are visible across the game, we have a professional network for the football industry and phenomenal growth in representation across football media."

For 2025, Hits Radio has caught up with Jon Holmes - who is from the team at FvH - and also is the lead of Sports Media LGBT+, which is a an industry network, advocacy and consultancy group.

He told us: "This year in particular, the EFL are going to be amplifying our message which we hope is going to be really effective in the upper echelons of the league, whilst there's also considerable support for FvH across the women's game - and there has been for many, many years.

"More recently, what we're seeing is a response from clubs at grassroots level are really getting behind our message, so the whole gamut of the game is spreading the word about just what we do.

"There's a huge degree of community building work we do as an organisation, alongside our advocacy, and we hope very much our celebrations tie in with the education focus of LGBT History Month.

"And our campaign ties in very well with this year's theme of activism and social change."

For LGBT issues around the world, a lot has already been said in 2025, with a number of social media companies rolling back on a number of diversity and content moderation policies.

Jon reflected: "We're seeing a spike in the number of reports of online abuse, particularly at grassroots level, with these platforms reviewing their rules around moderation.

"If people are seeing this language online, and taking it into football spaces, the suggestion is terms which are deemed homophobic are manifesting deeper than they may have before.

"It's a good thing that more reports mean that more people are flagging these issues to the authorities, but our worry is how younger generations perceive these words, and the issues surrounding the deeply offensive intent behind their meanings.

"This is a very complex issue - especially when we're talking about multinational social media companies - however, what people need to be aware of is this type of language will not be seen as palatable by clubs, other fans, and even your employer.

"We're moving into this new age of free speech, and that's what these companies are pinning these changes on, but people need to have a real understanding of the consequences of what they say online."

Amid cases of abuse towards those in the LGBT+ community rising, we asked Jon about his hopes for the campaign, which is now in its 16th year.

Read more: FvH - statement on reports of homophobia increasing

Jon said: "We really want to address the rise in homophobia, particularly in the grassroots and women's game.

"If we can make people aware that there is a punishment waiting on the other side of their actions, then we have helped to make a difference here - because homophobia truly has no place in our society.

"But we need to remember, the more we can help prevent these cases happening, then the better the game will be as a whole - and that's the aim."

The organisation have launched their month of action at Bolton Wanderers FC - which you can find out more about here.

EFL Rainbow Ball

And staying on the theme of football, in celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, the English Football League and PUMA have once again revealed an all-new Rainbow match ball.

The EFL say that the design 'serves as a reminder that football is for everyone, everywhere' - with all 72 clubs which make up the football leagues playing with this ball throughout February in their stand against homophobia.

Last year, PUMA donated money for each goal scored with the Rainbow Ball, totalling more than £16,000 to an LGBTQ+ Fans for Diversity Fund.

That case helped numerous LGBTQ+ supporter groups to raise awareness about inclusion in football, to deliver events to promote diversity, and to provide resources to LGBTQ+ fans across England and Wales.

Graham Hansford, Chief Steward at Middlesborough FC, told us just how important it is for teams to get behind this initiative.

He said: "We are fully committed to making our club a safe enrivonment for anyone to watch football.

"We're doing everything we can for our LGBT+ fans to come and enjoy the match, so when we have focus games - like when we take on Watford on February 15th - that's our opportunity to talk about that, and drive the conversation forward.

"People may remember the football of old. In the past, people may have experienced abusive behaviour, and even homophobic slurs and chants, and it was like that when I joined the club back in 1999.

"Now though, an awful lot of work has been done to make this a more welcoming environment, and I really think the men's game can learn a lot from the women's game, in terms of representation, and these important conversations which need to be made.

"And this ball - which looks brilliant by the way - really uses the reach of English football at home, and around the world, to make a statement against any kind of homophobia or transphobia - because it just doesn't belong in this game."

Millwall Romans

With clubs across the EFL getting involved with the Rainbow Ball campaign, we've been catching up with the Millwall Romans, who are the affiliated LGBTIQA+ friendly football team with the main club in London - Millwall FC.

They play in the London Unity League and were formed as the London Romans in 2006, playing in north London.

They've since been incorporated by Millwall’s Community Trust and moved south of the river.

Paul Loding is their player-manager, and tells us exactly why this campaign means so much to both clubs, like the Millwall Romans, and the wider football league.

He said: "These sort of campaigns are really backed by Millwall, and growing up as an LGBTQ+ person it can be really difficult to make those important connections which you usually see in team sports.

"It will set you back, almost years, in coming out and being yourself - especially when you hear offensive chanting in the stands, or just look at what's being said on social media.

"So, campaigns like the Rainbow Ball starts that conversation. It promotes that inclusivity - and it's all about providing that safe space for LGBTQ+ footballers.

"And certainly at the time that we've been associated with Millwall, what's great for us is that people are actually recognising us in the street - and are genuinely interested in the sport we're now playing.

"Anything to get that message out with young players who, maybe, have fallen out of love with the game because of their sexuality is so, so important."

You can read more about the Rainbow Ball on the EFL website.

Hackney Women's Football Club

One of the organisations leading the way in their activism work is Hackney Women's Football Club.

The side was founded all the way back in 1986 - nearly 40 years ago - and is the first totally women run team & the first out lesbian team in the UK.

They were actually Europe's first openly lesbian team, and it was only in 2023 when they launched a brand-new kit to mark LGBT+ History Month, a strip they continue to wear to this day.

Their slogan is #PlayingWithPride - and nobody more knows just what that means than Club Captain, Kate Meehan, who's been catching up with Hits Radio.

The Liverpudlian moved to the capital at the start of the 2010s, where she remains as a stalwart name in the game.

Kate said: "I've been involved in football ever since I could stand up, and to see where women's football where it is right now, it's awesome to see it evolve into the professional sphere.

"Our club is still going after 40 years, without any other back from anywhere else - and its a really rare thing, and something we're really proud of - and I am particularly, in my role as captain.

"And looking to the newer cohorts of players, what we bring is a community space that's way more than just the beautiful game, and I want that newer generation coming through to experience what I have over these past 13 years of being involved myself.

"I'll still be there, though, with my Zimmer frame - so I'm going nowhere yet!"

With LGBT+ History Month now underway, Kate tells us now is as important as ever to keep pushing for change.

She added: "It's only been around a decade since a woman got a salary to live on in this sport. And back then, there was still this air which was met with a derogatory tone, which really annoyed me.

"Something's changed over the past three to four years, and the conversations I have now is about the sport, and about the league we play in - which is a really refreshing change.

"When we go out as a cohort, our sexuality is never the first topic of conversation.

"I believe that's because of the increasing media coverage, and changing social tides - and our work now is about keeping it this way. One person that comes to mind, as a woman working in a men's space, is the amazing work of Alex Scott.

"If I were to sum up my football club, I'd say we're really taking one for the team. It's all about being there, active, and being loud and proud - and that's what we'll continue to do.

She added how they remain pioneers for change in an ever-changing landscape.

Speaking about LGBT+ History Month, Kate said they'll be marking it loudly... and proudly.

Kate reflected: "To celebrate the month, and when we stand up for something we respect and fully support, let's just say we make people know about it!

"When our club was founded, to get past controversy was a daily thing, but that only spurred them on even further.

"As the new age of Hackney Women, that's something we're really proud of, and what we'll continue to do."

National AIDS Trust

Hits Radio also caught up with the National AIDS Trust last year - amid their work around the theme, #UnderTheScope.

This year, the organisation have been telling us what's changed over the past four decades - and beyond.

Robbie Currie is the organisation's CEO, and said: "From an HIV perspective, the world has changed - beyond recognition - since the 1980s, and even since the mid-2010s.

"Certainly, in the last five or six years, there have been so many developments that have been worked on that absolutely are improving peoples lives.

"Some of the things which are coming down the pipeline including injectable PrEP - which could be an absolute game-changer.

"There's also been considerable changes in acceptance to LGBTQ+ people in the UK, and there's been a huge range of equality legislation.

"Only recently, there was a discriminatory law that forbade people with HIV to look at fertility treatment, which is something we at the NAT worked hard to get changed.

"Very often, it's important for us to try and remind people about some of the things we do do, to make us a more equal society."

Despite these societal leaps - the message is there's still so much more to do - and their mission of eradicating cases of HIV by 2030 runs in parallel with their annual week of testing, which has found itself a home during the annual LGBT+ History Month.

Robbie added: "We have a government that is phenomenally supportive of our mission and ambitions to get to no new transmissions of HIV by 2030.

"We are working very clearly about how we can target our interventions, but when it comes to people looking online and to social media, it's quite a challenge at the moment to get the balance right.

"Some of the stigmatising language that is coming out of the US, I think, will impact people very deeply, and we're keeping a watchful eye on our communities, letting them know we're ready to support them.

"Frequently getting tested is a cornerstone of our work, but there's a number of other initiatives we, of course want to have established too by 2030.

"However, for LGBT+ History Month, it's a great chance for us to encourage people to take a HIV test to 'know their status'.

"It's important that we have a recognisable time in the calendar, so everyone can gear-up to trying to get as many people to come forward and get tested as possible."

You can find out more about HIV Testing Week here.

Robbie tells us how the theme for 2025 underpins everything the NAT do.

Robbie reflected: "It's a great marker of our success, across society, that Pride isn't necessarily the activism which we saw in the past, but even today, there's so much more that needs to change.

"February and Pride events across the country all act as great opportunities for us to recognise there are still forms of discrimination and stigma which exist around HIV and AIDS, and more generally, the queer community."

Spotlight: Manchester Pride

If there's one thing you think about when you think about a city that's the beating heart of the UK, that's very likely to be the annual Manchester Pride.

The summer event is one of the UK's largest, and just last year, the organisation pledged more than £120,000 to 86 organisations across the Greater Manchester area.

And with the notion of Pride being all about celebration as a form of protest, we're asking the question about what that means, whilst reflecting on our history, in 2025.

Isobel Stainsbury is the Senior Engagement Manager at the charity, and told us: "History Month is absolutely vital, and I think this year's theme is really interesting.

"Manchester has always been a pioneering city for LGBTQ+ rights, and we're really excited to bring people together in February to explore more about the history of activism and social change.

"Because of the AIDS epidemic in the '80s, we lost a lot of our queer elders, so it's really important that we do come together to learn and share these experiences.

"What's really exciting for us is seeing allies coming into this space, now, and getting involved, asking what they can do to support us.

"But what we're also seeing - especially on social media - is a lot of political manoeuvring, and we're having to fight a lot for social equality, so seeing more people who aren't LGBTQ+ coming out with us in solidarity is so, so important.

"With these new rules online coming in from organisations such as Meta and X which is seeing our rights being further attacked, it's really important that we take a stand.

"I think the idea that we don't need to protest any more is absolutely untrue - and it's actually pretty key to what we do."

Read more: 40,000 people expected at Manchester Pride celebrations

Spotlight: Bristol Pride

As one of the West Country's largest celebrations of LGBT life, their work reflects the many groups who fly the flag in towns and cities across the UK, showcasing just what the month of February can achieve.

We've been catching up with two of those on the committee who make the magic happen - as they tell us that they do so much more than just put on a weekend of awesome celebrations.

Read more: Dance icons Cascada announced as first Bristol Pride act

Director of Programming and Partnerships, Daryn Carter MBE, and Harriet Taylor from Queer Vision Film Festival said this year's theme of Activism and Social Change aptly reflects the landscape which people in the LGBTQ+ community face in 2025.

Daryn said: "I think it's a great theme to explore for History Month, because Pride is all about activism.

"Sometimes, that can be forgotten, and even during Pride, we can fall into the trap of getting complacent and forgetting our roots.

"This year, we'll be thinking of the work we still need to do - but I think sometimes, things have to get worse before they get better.

"It's still really challenging for the LGBTQ+ community out there, and just looking on social media, it's going to be a difficult year, because society collectively needs to take a long, hard look at itself.

"It's only when we do that, both at a local level, and nationally, that we can all make strides in making our country a more inclusive place to be.

"And looking at our trajectory, there are so many challenges we need to smash through - and the goal as ever for us is to just deliver the best we can for Bristol and the wider South West through our actions, celebrating and reflecting, and, of course, bringing people together... all while remembering our roots of activism and protest."

Rising to the challenge is exactly the theme noted by Harriet for 2025 - and they continue doing that through their wider involvement of the community.

Harriet added: "Our local communities are more important than ever - and we will for sure continue to support them.

"By the end of 2025, what I want to have seen change is a reinforced positivity. After all, that's why Daryn and I do what we do.

"If people come to our events, and learn about the important history of our wonderful community, then we've ultimately done our job.

"I hope that people can find each other at this time, and if it feels really isolating at the moment, my message is that it's incredibly fulfilling to know you're really not alone."

Bristol Pride has grown massively since its infancy at the end of the '00s, and so much seems to have changed.

Attendees have grown, and last year was their biggest ever.

But, their work tackling inequality remains amid a greater feeling of inclusivity and diversity within and around the city.

So this year, for Daryn and the team, it's about looking back at the many barriers which have been broken, and keeping that momentum going forward.

Daryn reflected: "For me, February is all about looking back and forward, and there's dozens of events happening in Bristol specifically for this month which I know will do an amazing job of celebrating our history within the LGBT community.

"We need to use this time about thinking about what it was like when we were all younger - and it's a great moment to realise change won't happen unless we all commit to doing it together."

Spotlight: Swindon & Wiltshire Pride

From the city of Bristol, to the more rural part of the world, of Swindon and the wider Wiltshire.

Where there are opposites in terms of the size and scale of the events and the community which these represent, the parallels are unending, after last year's gathering at GWR Park also saw their biggest-ever turnout.

For 2025, and LGBT+ History Month, they're highlighting the vital role which grassroots groups can do in changing peoples perceptions.

Read more: Swindon and Wiltshire Pride set to dazzle - as the event marks 16th year

Andy Midwinter is one of the masterminds behind the movement in the region, and told Hits Radio: "There are always challenges, and our work is to make sure people in the community feel visible, and feel seen - it's a really important month for us.

"Despite the progress we've certainly seen in our part of the world, there's always challenges that people need to be aware of - and this month is just a powerful tool for us to use our history for real good.

"I'm still learning things all the time - and that's especially true, considering my extensive work on the committee at Swindon and Wiltshire Pride.

"We're so lucky to be able to celebrate our wonderful community here in Wiltshire and across the country, but our work won't stop for a long time yet.

"A great example of honouring the importance of those who are LGBT, and those who are allies, is our stalwart support of the world of drag - and of course, what a tragedy it was in January when we lost an icon in The Vivienne.

"We'd booked her to perform just before Covid, an event which sadly didn't go ahead, and when she passed, I saw just how much love came out in Liverpool, and at this year's DragCon - it must have been very moving to have been there.

"Drag artists are really special, and these are real people in our history we need to honour more.

"Anything that allows you to be yourself is just so powerful - and that's exactly what people like The Vivienne did... just be herself."

Support organisations

School's OUT: LGBT+ History Month

akt for those aged 16-25 who are homeless or living in a hostile environment

The Proud Trust - with resources, support services and experiences of young members of the LGBTQ+ communituy

The LGBT Foundation

Samaritans, who are open 24/7 for those who need to talk

Stonewall

The Terrence Higgins Trust, for advice on HIV and sexual health

The National AIDS Trust

Umbrella Cymru

You can also read more about LGBT+ History Month, and last year's focus here: LGBT+ History Month: #UnderTheScope

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.