LGBT History Month
February is LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual) History Month, which celebrates the lives and achievements of the LGBT community. The first same-sex marriages were officiated in Scotland on 31st December 2014, but LGBT communities in other parts of the world are not so fortunate and are still fighting for equal rights. February is chance to celebrate diversity and challenge homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.
LGBT Helpline Scotland
0300 123 2523
Open every Tuesday and Wednesday between 12 - 9pm.
LGBT Displays
There is a display in Briggistanes which looks at the LGBT History Month theme of ‘PSHE, Citizenship and Law.’ The featured individuals for this theme are Jackie Forster, Allan Horsfall. Emmeline Pankhurst and Sylvia Rivera. The display also includes LGBT quotes and material from the ‘Postsecret’ website, as well as QR codes for LGBT videos on YouTube.
In the Library
The library also has a range of LGBT publications for students and staff to access. Publications cover topics such as: Education, Health, Media, Social Issues and Careers, with titles such as:
- ‘Sexual Orientation – the Equality Act Made Simple.’
- ‘Primary Best Practice Guide: how primary schools are celebrating difference and tackling homophobia.’
- ‘Tuned Out – the BBC’s portrayal of lesbian and gay people.’
- Article: ‘Fostering Prejudice – anti-gay couple cannot become foster parents.’
- ‘Working with Older Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual People – a guide for care and support workers.’
LGBT Shetland Group
Did you know that there is a social group for Shetland’s LGBT community? They arrange monthly social events, which are a great way to meet other LGBT people and tackle social isolation. You can contact them via email (shetlandLGBT@gmail.com) or through Twitter and Facebook.
At Mareel
Mareel is to launch a new strand in their cinema programme focused on classic and contemporary films that feature LGBT themes or characters.
The first film in Screen Pride - as the strand is called - is a showing of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, on 23 February. More information about Screen Pride can be found on the Promote Shetland website.
Useful Links
In addition, the following websites may be useful for anyone interested in LGBT issues:
- LGBT History Month Website – events, information and resources surrounding LGBT History Month.
- Stonewall website – a charity which supports LGBT equality and promotes diversity.
- It's gets better project website – a project which aims to support and inspire LGBT youth across the world.