February is LGBT+ History Month, a month-long celebration of the brave souls who have fought for our rights and freedoms, while also acknowledging all the important work that still needs to be done.
Unfortunately, Trump is now back in the White House, and it didn’t take him long to start rolling back years of progress and protections for the LGBT+ Community, especially those of trans and non-binary people. Even more unfortunate is the large corporate organisations and social media platforms bending the knee and following suit.
While the world became obsessed with the “threat” that trans people apparently pose (a mere 0.1% of the population), America elected a convicted rapist, racist and fraudster to the most powerful position in the world.
To our trans siblings, know that you are loved, that we will always stand by you, and that you will always have a home with WLQP.
On a recent social media post advertising an LGBT+ History Month event at Hounslow Council, I was disappointed to see many hateful and homo/transphobic comments such as “groomers”, “disgusting” and “Trump is coming for you”.
One question that a few people did ask, albeit rather aggressively, is “Why is it a whole month long when ‘Veteran’s Day’ only gets one day?”.
LGBT+ History is not taught in schools, and if we as a community didn’t acknowledge it and honour it, it will disappear. Furthermore, we are still fighting for acceptance, to be treated equally and with dignity and respect.
There are 64 countries that have laws that criminalise homosexuality, so the fight is far from over as many would like to believe.
Aubrey Crawley, Founder & CEO and Joseph Leonard, COO
When I founded the West London Queer Project, I hadn’t intended or even thought about the responsibility that would be bestowed upon me to become a spokesperson and an advocate for the LGBT+ Community. However, despite my initial inexperience, and all the anxiety and challenges it brings, it’s a responsibility that I welcome and take seriously.
Our rights and freedoms are becoming increasingly fragile, making this LGBT+ History Month more significant than ever before. I therefore urge everyone in our community and our allies to show solidarity by showing up, supporting each other, and standing together as a community.
Our rights and freedoms may be fragile, but we’re strong and resilient, and we’ve done this before.
The theme for this year’s LGBT+ History Month is Activism and Social Change, and I am very fortunate to get to work with many people from our councils and other organisations whose activism and social change work is an all year round effort. I take great comfort and inspiration from these good people.
I hope that you can join us this month as we celebrate those whose shoulders we proudly stand on. Happy LGBT+ History Month!
Much love, Aubrey
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