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LGBTQ+ History Month 2023

LGBTQ+ History Month Wed 1 February to Tues 28 February
17 February 2023

Sheffield Children’s is marking LGBTQ+ history month with a range of education sessions, opportunities to chat and discuss, and a whole host of suggestions to learn more, all thanks to the LGBTQ+ Equality Network.

February marks the start of LGBTQ+ History Month, a month long celebration of the history of the beautiful and diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community. It is a time to celebrate and reflect on the importance of civil rights movements in progressing gay rights, and over the years has evolved into a national collaborative effort to bring extraordinary figures from the LGBTQ+ community into the spotlight.

The LGBT+ History Month 2023 theme is #BehindTheLens. It celebrates LGBT+ peoples’ contribution to cinema and film from behind the lens. Directors, cinematographers, screen writers, producers, animators, costume designers, special effects, make up artists, lighting directors, musicians, choreographers and beyond. At a time when LGBT+ lives are in the media we also encourage you to look ‘Behind the Lens’ and listen to LGBT+ peoples’ lived experiences.

You can even test your knowledge with a quiz – see a version for anyone outside of the Trust on our Instagram highlights.

We’re grateful if you take the time to learn about LGBT+ history.

Chief Nurse Yvonne's reflections for LGBTQ+ history month - being an ally

Yvonne Millard Chief Nurse

I’m new to Sheffield Children’s Hospital and believe a big part of my role as a human as well as the Chief Nurse is to help shape the future, not just in work but as part of the Sheffield community.

I came from a place where I have seen the devastating impact discrimination can have, especially for the LGBTQI+ community. I have also experienced the joy inclusion brings. I prefer joy.

I know people perform better when they can be themselves and I want to be part of a place where everyone can bring their best selves to work, and a place where all our colleagues feel safe and included.

This is why I declare myself to be an ally. I wear my badge with pride, openly and loudly so that those who live with fear know they are safe in my company, by visibly showing my support and having conversations about LGBTQ+ inclusion, I hope to create an environment where more people feel safe and comfortable to be themselves in and out of work.

It’s easy to call myself an ally but the label alone isn’t enough. I set myself three aims:

Being visible

I make visible my commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, by displaying the LGBTQ+ badge which was designed as a visual symbol, identifying its wearer as someone who LGBTQ+ people can feel comfortable talking to. For me it also signifies that working in NHS I am aware of the issues that LGBTQ+ young people and families can face when accessing healthcare, and will work to address this.

Being informed

I attend various events and training, to learn about LGBTQ+ history, terminology, and the struggles that the community still faces today. My friends and family are happy to answer my questions but they are not a walking LGBTQ+ encyclopaedia! It is my responsibility to actively seek out information and educate myself.

Not a bystander

Making a personal commitment not to be a bystander. Every time discriminatory behaviour occurs and goes unchallenged, it is normalised to those around us. The more normal or common place or acceptable a behaviour is seen, the more likely it is to happen again, and so the cycle continues. I will always challenge behaviour that does not fit with the values of Sheffield Children’s in a bid to break that cycle.

What have I learnt?

Most of all I know that I will mess up sometimes – I breathe, I apologise, and I ask for guidance.

Thank you to Yvonne from the LGBTQ+ Equality Network for being open and honest about your role as an ally, we appreciate you.

For guidance on how to be an ally at work, visit the Stonewall website.

LGBTQ+ dates in history

Visit our Instagram to scroll through these dates.

LGBTQ+ History Month quiz

Visit our Instagram story highlights to test your knowledge of LGBTQ+ history, arts and current affairs with a quiz set by our LGBTQ+ Equality Network.

Find out more about LGBTQ+ History Month

Visit the LGBT+ History Month webpage (external link) to find out more.

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