For the month of February, we looked at the pioneers of queerstory, celebrating and amplifying the lives and legacies of LGBT community. At Major Players, this month was about how we can continue to champion authenticity and provide spaces for learning and allyship in the workplace and beyond.
As LGBT History Month draws to a close, we sat down with our very own Content and Social Media Executive, Jade Allegra to talk about LGBT History Month and what it means to them.
What does LGBT History Month mean to you?
I think for me, it is about recognising and connecting with the history of the LGBT civil rights movement both here in the UK and across the world. There are so many vibrant and important legacies to reflect on and to carry forward. It’s also about connecting with representation and figureheads that spoke to me as a queer person. Being able to share and amplify all the stories of queer people who did something that might have seemed impossible in their time is such a beautiful part of this time.
Why is it important we recognise this month alongside Pride?
Pride is underpinned by the histories of queer people. Pride started as a movement of protest and though we move towards more accepting times, this month allows us to recognise the history of activists, scientists, lawmakers and more who upheld visibility and change not only for the movement but across history. Sometimes we find that some histories are hidden or not widely known due to erasure. For this month and beyond, we have an opportunity to engage with so much new and renewed learning around pioneers in the respective industries, who may have been hidden or not widely known due to their sexuality. The more we can do to reinstate and that includes and celebrates these pioneers, the better.
Talk to us about Queerstory, who are the pioneers that inspire you?
There are so many that come to mind.. if I had to pick one it would have to be Audre Lorde. She was a fervent activist, poet, and essayist. Her poetry and essays served me great purpose and direction as a young queer person navigating the world. I’ll always remember when I first read Sister Outsider and connected so deeply that it encouraged me to start writing. I found that her words represent an undeniable conviction to share truth and power through literature. Whenever I need to be reminded of my own power, I call to mind one of my favourite quotes of hers:
“WHEN I DARE TO BE POWERFUL, TO USE MY STRENGTH IN THE SERVICE OF MY VISION, THEN IT BECOMES LESS AND LESS IMPORTANT WHETHER I AM AFRAID,"
It constantly reminds me to continue to show up for myself unapologetically and to never minimise the loud and proud parts of me who make me who I am.
-------------------
LGBT History month may be over but we understand that allyship isn’t just reserved for months at a time, it’s about celebrating acceptance and authenticity, 365 days a year. You can find out more about what we are doing to challenge the status quo and support marginalised groups with our DE&I Pledge here.
Want to learn more about being an active ally? Click here.
