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LGBT history month is being celebrated in Elgin library throughout February.
This year is significant for the LGBT+ (Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender) movement, as it marks 50 years since the Stonewall Riots, the series of confrontations between police and gay rights activists in New York which is credited with sparking the birth of the international gay rights movement.
As the official site of LGBT history month, https://lgbthistorymonth.org.uk/, explains:
“The overall aim of LGBT History month is to promote equality and diversity for the benefit of the public. This is done by:
- Increasing the visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (“LGBT”) people, their history, lives and their experiences in the curriculum and culture of educational and other institutions, and the wider community;
- Raising awareness and advancing education on matters affecting the LGBT community;
- Working to make educational and other institutions safe spaces for all LGBT communities; and
- Promoting the welfare of LGBT people, by ensuring that the education system recognises and enables LGBT people to achieve their full potential, so they contribute fully to society and lead fulfilled lives, thus benefiting society as a whole.”
As even the BBC programme “Call the midwife” gently explores the subject of non-binary gender identity in last weekend’s episode, Elgin library users can learn about LGBT authors, check out reading lists and displays and collect information about LGBT issues.
On Saturday 16 February there will be a diversity-themed story time and craft session, free and suitable for 4+ years.
Libraries Moray will also be showcasing their ‘rainbow reads’ on their Facebook page.
Moray Council’s Equalities Champion, Cllr Shona Morrison, will be dropping in to the library to champion LGBT history month.
“I’m delighted that our library service is raising awareness of this important and relevant topic. I hope local residents will come along and learn more about LGBT history month and its significance, and that those looking for information on LGBT issues take the opportunity to access it.”
To book onto the story time or craft session email elgin.lending@moray.gov.uk or call 01343 562601.