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Kent County Council celebrates LGBT History Month
Each year February is set aside in the UK to mark and celebrate the lives and achievements of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. In line with these nationwide celebrations, Kent County Council is supporting a series of events throughout the month ranging from photography, film and talks, spread across different venues in Kent, presenting the diversity and achievements of the LGBT community.
Organisers hope to end the silence that has surrounded gay and lesbian people and whose achievements and contributions to the society have been overlooked. Part of the month's ambition is to celebrate gay people as motivators, inventors, artists, scientists, and stars rather than victims. LGBT History Month also hopes to help end the sense of isolation and bewilderment still experienced by many LGBT people.
Sarah Waters, a Booker Prize shortlist as well as Karen McLeod and Paul Burston are some of the authors expected in the county for the history month celebrations. Dr Kath Browne, a trustee of Pride in Brighton & Hove will give a talk titled “Pride is Political.” Other activities lined up include school visits, a photography exhibition, documentary films and workshops.
The events are being supported by Kent County Council in partnership with Pride in Canterbury and Kent Police, who work to ensure that their services are accessible to the whole community. Kent Police will also be conducting seminars to encourage dialogue and tolerance in the county towards the LBGT community.
LGBT issues have also been making headlines worldwide. China instituted gay cafes and nearly allowed a gay pageant, which then was stopped by police over supposed procedural matters. LGBT rights have been a contentious issue in African countries such as Uganda, Malawi and Nigeria.
It is hoped that the month of celebration will help to dispel the anxiety and confused rage that drive some people to aggressive behaviour towards LGBT people, and is an initiative that has received continued Government support in the recent years.
Wonder what our local MP has to say...
Uganda is a rapidly developing country, but unfortunately this does not mean the culture is, in terms of accepting people seen as outside of the norm or going against the main religions.
International situations are tricky, outside influence can be seen as almost a power relating to colonial times where the culture is being encouraged to adapt to ours.
However, we should always be supportive of those brave individuals who speak out in such oppressive circumstances, putting themselves in danger, being honest and standing up for what they believe in. That's very honourable.
By Faith Victoria Allen on 11.2.2010
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