Ilkley Pride & Diversity Group are playing their part in celebrating LGBT+ History Month in February. The month will see a mix of art, entertainment, learning and discussion sets the agenda for this year’s LGBTQ+ History Month across the Bradford District.
LGBTQ+ History Month marks and raises awareness of the social changes and barriers overcome by the LGBTQ+ community. This year’s theme is Activism and Social Change and each year five historical figures are celebrated. This year’s figures are: Octavia Hill, Ivor Cummings, Annie Kenney, Charlie Kiss and Olaudah Equiano.
Ilkley Pride & Diversity Group have distributed posters highlighting the achievements of the five LGBTQ+ activists to more than 150 different organisations, businesses and community groups across the district.
Like previous years, Ilkley Pride & Diversity Group will also run a campaign across its social media aimed at educating people about the historical impact of the LGBTQ+ community.
Events, organised by Bradford Council, University of Bradford, Out Together and Equity Partnership include an introduction to LGBTQ+ terminology; a lesson in the history of liberation and key activists; a session on Queer South Asians of the past, present and future; special exhibitions and activities at Cartwright Hall; a session on the history of the rainbow flag and a ramble across Shipley Glen and Baildon Moor.
Tom Harris, a spokesperson for Ilkley Pride & Diversity Group commented:
“We’re really excited to be able to get involved in LGBT+ History Month at a district-wide level this year. The partnership that’s been assembled includes some incredible people and organisations from across the entire Bradford district, each playing their part in celebrating the history of the LGBTQIA+ community.”
In addition to the programme of events and the work done by Ilkley Pride & Diversity Group, Ilkley library and others across the district will have a display about the five activists and change makers who left their mark on the LGBTQ+ community, the LGBTQ+ History Month flag will fly at both City Park and the University of Bradford and City Hall will be lit up in rainbow colours throughout the month of February. Youth Ambassadors from the council’s Youth Service will also compile resources and distribute them to youth organisations so that LGBTQ+ history sessions can be held with young people across the district.
Cllr Kamran Hussain, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety (which includes Equalities and Community Cohesion), said:
“This is a very packed month-long programme, with a good mix of informative events to reflect on and learn, as well as fun and social activities. I hope people take advantage of everything on offer here.”
A programme of all the events, many of which are free, is available on this link: LGBTQ+ History Month | Bradford Council
You can find more information about the Ilkley Pride & Diversity Group on the website ilkleypride.co.uk and follow the group @ilkleypride on socials.
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