“I believe that no one should ever have to chose between a career we love and living our lives with authenticity and integrity” Selisse Berry
What is LGBTQ+ History Month?
LGBTQ+ History Month is a month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer history, it creates opportunities to raise awareness to the issues faced by LGBTQ+ people. February was chosen to coincide with the abolition of Section 28, which formally stated that local authorities aren’t able to ‘intentionally promote homosexuality’.
Originally introduced in the US in 1994, LGBTQ+ History Month was created by Rodney Wilson (a high school teacher in Missouri). However, it wasn’t until February 2005 that it was initiated in the UK by LGBTQ+ rights activists, Sue Sanders and Paul Patrick as part of the Schools OUT UK project, which educates young people on issues faced by queer communities.
2023: Behind the Lens
This year’s theme is TV and Film – Behind The Lens, celebrating LGBTQ+ people’s contribution to cinema and film from behind the lens. That includes directors, cinematographers, screen writers, producers, animators, costume designers, special effects, makeup artists, lighting directors, musicians, choreographers and beyond. The media are being encouraged to look ‘Behind the Lens’ and listen to LGBTQ+ peoples’ experiences. The faces for the Year this year are; Lindsay Cooper, Ismail Merchant, Tony Richardson, Sophie Xeon. We have chosen to highlight Sophie…
Sophie Xeon (1986 – 2021) was a Scottish music producer, songwriter and DJ. Known for a brash take on pop music that helped pioneer the 2010 hyperpop microgenre. SOPHIE worked closely with artists from the PC Music label, including A.G. Cook and GFOTY, and produced for acts such as Charli XCX, Kim Petras and Madonna. In 2017 the music video for ‘Its Okay to Cry’ was released, and was the first time Sophie uses her real voice and image, this was widely interpreted as a coming out announcement as a trans woman. Sophie’s music career began in a band called Motherland who mainly performed live shows in Berlin and UK during 2008-2009
Why is LGBTQ History Month important in the recruitment industry?
LGBTQ history month creates an opportunity for workplaces to signal their support to the community. This is not only important for recruitment companies to bear in mind with their own employees but should also be take into consideration when working with candidates and clients. Companies can only look to drive innovation and change if they look to employ a diverse workforce, it is the role of a recruiter to support this through offering a diverse shortlist. LGBTQ history month reminds recruiters of these obligations, as without this how can we ask our clients to encourage diversity in the workplace?
