Across the globe, February marks LGBT History Month. Its foundations began in the mid-90s in the US before being established in the UK in 2004 within schools to start to provide education and information about LGBT people. Within my own lifetime, laws have been in place prohibiting local authorities from promoting homosexuality (Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988, which was in place until 2003). As a specific area of enquiry, Queer History has only existed for roughly 50 years, and now there is lots of great work looking to fill this gap of missing representation and to help LGBTQ+ people understand who they are today and their position in society.

The theme for UK LGBT+ History Month 2025 is ‘Activism and Social Change’. One of the notable historical figures being celebrated this year is Octavia Hill, whose work has been transformative for society today and, indeed, social housing, and this month we will delve into the history LGBTQ+ and housing and celebrating the great work happening across the sector.

We’ve talked before about the progress that has been made in terms of improving the equity for LGBTQ+ people in housing, yet we know that there is still a prevalence of homelessness among LGBTQ+ people. Academic evidence highlights that in Britain, lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people have poorer housing outcomes than heterosexual people. LGB people are less likely to be homeowners, more likely to be social renters and more likely to be on lower incomes, impacting future housing options. Homelessness amongst the transgender community is also especially high, with up to 50% of trans people experiencing homelessness at some point in their lives, often caused by a lack of affordable and safe housing, landlord discrimination, joblessness, poor mental health and increased risk, and rates, of violence and abuse.

The work that is being done across the housing sector highlights the recognition of LGBTQ+ people’s discrimination and barriers within the housing system, and this month, we will be highlighting and showcasing the excellent research, practice and insights from a variety of different perspectives. We shall remain positive and optimistic about commitment and enthusiasm. However, this work is all taking place at a time when alarming statements are being produced by the newly-elected US administration, where a series of Executive Orders are curtailing the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ Americans, such as denying the existence of trans, non-binary and intersex people.

Only last week I happened to spot a comment on the social media account for a city’s Pride event saying: “when is it Pride month, so I can order the napalm” to which a reply came saying “good lad”. Political narratives and sentiments that we are seeing have significant impacts on some people’s attitudes, and this is terrifying for many people within the LGBTQ+ community. As EDI initiatives feel like they are becoming de-prioritised more recently, I believe it is as important as ever that we continue to share the great, inspiring work that is happening.

Over the course of the month, we will be sharing insights from brilliant colleagues, as well as revisiting some of our previous work and contributions to our ongoing EDI work. We are delighted to be hosting a webinar launching the policy brief from Edith England and Neil Turnbull’s LGBTQ+ Housing and Homelessness Survey and we are going to close the month by launching a new HSA member network dedicated to LGBTQ+ Housing Research and Practice, which I will be co-chairing with Jack Mason from Stonewall Housing, who is the coordinator for the LGBTQ+ HouseProud Housing Pledge.

We hope you enjoy reading the content that we produce, and please do get in touch with me at any point if there’s things you would like to share, this month or going forward.