Every February, LGBT+ History Month offers an important opportunity to celebrate the diverse lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals, raise awareness, and combat prejudice.
Launched in 2005 by Schools Out, this annual event is now widely recognised and highlights the history and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ communities. It serves as a platform for reflection on the struggles and achievements of LGBTQIA+ people, as well as a call to action for continued progress.
2025 theme
The theme for 2025 focuses on activism and social change, celebrating the role that LGBTQ+ individuals have played in shaping a more inclusive and equal society. From protests and rallies to campaigns, art, and literature, LGBTQ+ activism has driven change across many sectors, pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo.
Mildmay’s Pioneering LGBT+ Role
At Mildmay Hospital, we are proud to continue the legacy of compassion and inclusion that has been part of our history for decades. In the 1980s, at a time when much of society was grappling with the HIV/AIDS crisis, Mildmay was at the forefront of providing care to those who were often marginalised and overlooked, including many from the LGBTQ+ community. Our approach was always rooted in kindness, dignity, and respect - values that continue to guide us today.
One notable symbol of this commitment to care was the support we received from Diana, Princess of Wales. During the height of the AIDS epidemic, she visited Mildmay many times, demonstrating both compassion and solidarity with patients who were suffering from a disease that was highly stigmatised at the time.
Her kindness helped challenge negative perceptions and showed the world that compassion transcends all boundaries, a principle that continues to shape our work.
As we look back on this history, we also look forward to the future. Mildmay continues to embrace diversity in all its forms, fostering an environment where people of all sexual orientations and gender identities can feel safe, respected, and cared for. We remain dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care, just as we did in the 1980s, and we are proud to be a part of the ongoing movement toward LGBT+ equality.
Embracing Diversity Today
LGBT+ History Month is a time for everyone to reflect on the progress made and the work that remains. Since its inception, the month has played an essential role in claiming the past, celebrating the present, and working towards a more inclusive future. At Mildmay, we continue to honour the achievements and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community by embracing inclusivity in our care and in all aspects of our work. As we mark this year’s LGBT+ History Month, we join with others across the NHS and the wider community to reaffirm our commitment to equality and social justice.
Moving Forward Together
LGBT+ History Month offers us all the chance to honour the past, celebrate the present, and work towards a future where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and care. At Mildmay, we will continue to provide compassionate care to all, while supporting the ongoing fight for LGBTQIA+ equality. Together, we can ensure that every person - regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity - feels valued and supported.
As we reflect on our history, let’s look forward to a future where inclusivity and kindness are at the heart of everything we do. Join us in celebrating LGBT+ History Month 2025 and let’s continue to drive positive change for all.
Official 2025 UK LGBT+ History Month badge
The official 2025 UK LGBT+ History Month badge was designed by Emily, a 12-year-old pupil from St Anthony’s Girls’ Catholic Academy in Sunderland who was the winner of the Schools Out Schools badge competition.
Buy your badge here.
“I was inspired to draw the megaphone because everyone deserves to be heard and sometimes to be heard you need help to be loud. The colours coming out of the megaphone were the LGBT+ flag, to represent everyone and how we need to be loud about the LGBT+ community and its history. It was important to support the community even if you aren’t a part of it, it is important to be an ally and to be kind. I made the badge a different shape to make it stand out and raise more awareness. I feel my badge means a kit because I can raise awareness and I feel like I have made a difference so I am very happy!”
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