Bulletin No. 38
LGBT+ History Month: A Celebration of Activism and Progress
LGBT+ History Month 2025 marks a significant moment to reflect on the history, activism, and contributions of LGBT+ individuals in shaping social change. Since its inception in 2005, the month has served as a platform to educate, celebrate, and highlight the struggles and achievements of LGBT+ people across history. This year’s theme, Activism and Social Change, focuses on the various ways in which LGBT+ individuals have historically fought for equality through protests, literature, art, direct action, and advocacy.
One of the key areas where activism continues to be crucial is in legal rights and recognition. As society evolves in its understanding of gender and identity, legal frameworks must also adapt to ensure equal protection under the law. The ongoing UK Supreme Court case concerning the definition of woman is an example of how legal disputes intersect with broader discussions about gender identity, rights, and social inclusion. The case raises significant questions about how transgender individuals are recognised in law and whether legal definitions should reflect gender identity or remain anchored in biological sex.
Legal Recognition of Gender
Against the backdrop of LGBT+ History Month’s celebration of activism, the Supreme Court case brought by For Women Scotland (FWS) highlights a modern legal battleground for trans rights. The case concerns whether the Scottish Government’s definition of woman in the Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Act 2018, which includes transgender women with a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC), is lawful under the Equality Act 2010 (BBC News, 2024).FWS argues that sex is a biological characteristic that cannot be altered and that redefining women to include transgender women undermines sex-based protections designed to address gender inequality. They contend that policies intended to increase female representation in public life should be based on biological sex rather than legal gender recognition. Conversely, the Scottish Government maintains that individuals who have legally transitioned and obtained a GRC should be recognised in their acquired gender, in line with the Gender Recognition Act 2004 (AP News, 2024).
This legal challenge raises broader issues about how trans rights fit into existing anti- discrimination laws. The Equality Act 2010 protects individuals from discrimination on the grounds of both sex and gender reassignment. However, it does not explicitly clarify whether sex refers strictly to biological sex or whether it can also encompass legal gender recognition. The Supreme Court’s ruling will provide much-needed legal clarity on this issue, shaping the way gender identity is treated in UK law moving forward (Sky News, 2024).
Implications for LGBT+ Rights and Social Change
The Supreme Court’s decision will have significant ramifications for trans rights and gender recognition in the UK. A ruling in favour of For Women Scotland could reinforce the legal distinction between sex and gender identity, potentially restricting the inclusion of transgender individuals in policies designed to promote gender equality. It could affect not only representation on public boards but also broader issues such as access to single-sex spaces, employment protections, and participation in sports (The Guardian, 2024). On the other hand, a ruling in favour of the Scottish Government would affirm that transgender women who have obtained legal gender recognition are entitled to be considered female under the law in certain contexts. It would align with international human rights principles, including the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which protects the right to private life (Article 8) and prohibits discrimination (Article 14) (BBC News, 2024).
Regardless of the outcome, this case is emblematic of the ongoing struggle for trans rights and recognition. It also reflects the broader theme of LGBT+ History Month, how activism and legal challenges continue to shape social change. Just as historical figures like Annie Kenney fought for women’s suffrage and Olaudah Equiano campaigned against the slave trade, modern activists and legal advocates are pushing for a more inclusive legal framework that recognises gender diversity. As the UK celebrates LGBT+ History Month 2025, this case serves as a reminder that legal battles are critical to the broader fight for social equality. The Supreme Court’s ruling will not only impact transgender individuals but will also set a precedent for how gender and sex are understood in UK law, an issue that remains at the forefront of legal and social discourse.
Charity Spotlight: Stonewall
The Supreme Court’s decision will have significant ramifications for trans rights and gender recognition in the UK. A ruling in favour of For Women Scotland could reinforce the legal distinction between sex and gender identity, potentially restricting the inclusion of transgender individuals in policies designed to promote gender equality. It could affect not only representation on public boards but also broader issues such as access to single-sex spaces, employment protections, and participation in sports (The Guardian, 2024).
Stonewall is a well-known LGBTQ+ charity in the UK that was founded on 24 May 1989, one year to the day since Section 28 became law. It works to support and advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. They have successfully organised campaigns to repeal Section 28, end the ban on LGBTQ+ people in the armed forces, equalise the age of consent, extend adoption and IVF rights to same-sex couples, and introduce civil partnerships. In 2001, Stonewall launched its Diversity Champions programme, a programme which works with over 900 organisations to ensure the LGBTQ+ community are comfortable in the workplace. This includes addressing outright discrimination, as well as "more discrete" forms of heterosexist thinking.
You can get involved by:
Participating in events- https://www.stonewall.org.uk/attend-event
Campaigning- https://www.stoneall.org.uk/campaign-with-us
Fundraising - https://www.stonewall.org.uk/fundraise-with-us
Donating- https://donorbox.org/support-stonewall
Internal Opportunities
Get involved in the university’s programme of LGBT+ Month History events this February, that include events like film screenings and quizzes. The university also has a number of policies and guidance documents to support our LGBT+ community.
Find more info on events and support here: https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/news/display/?id=32225
External Opportunities
As part of LGBT+ History Month, there are several engaging events taking place across Manchester that provide opportunities for students to explore, celebrate, and engage with LGBT+ history, activism, and community.
Pride in Motion – MMU (February 12, 2025)
Hosted by the LGBT Foundation in collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University, this event is a fitness and wellbeing initiative designed to promote inclusivity in sports. Whether you're an athlete or just looking to engage in a welcoming, active space, this event encourages LGBT+ individuals and allies to participate in movement-based activities.
Find out more and register here: LGBT Foundation - Pride in Motion
Trans Women's Group (February 15, 2025)
A safe and supportive social group for transgender women to connect, share experiences, and find community. This event, organised by the LGBT Foundation, provides a welcoming space for discussion and mutual support.
Find out more here: LGBT Foundation - Trans Women's Group
LGBT+ History Month Archive Exploration & Guided Gallery Tour (February 18, 2025)
This unique tour will take participants through historical archives and exhibitions showcasing the history of LGBT+ activism, representation, and community in Manchester and beyond. A fantastic opportunity to gain historical insight into the fight for LGBT+ rights.
Register here: Eventbrite - Archive Exploration & Gallery Tour
LGBTQ+ Poetry Workshop with Natasha Tingle (February 20, 2025)
A creative writing workshop led by poet Natasha Tingle, aimed at exploring LGBTQ+ themes through poetry. Whether you're an experienced writer or just starting, this workshop provides a space to express yourself and engage with queer literature.
Register here: Eventbrite - LGBTQ+ Poetry Workshop
Sparkle Sanctuary – February Gathering (February 25, 2025)
A social and support space for transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals. The event provides a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where attendees can connect, share experiences, and build community.
Register here: Eventbrite - Sparkle Sanctuary
