LGBT+ History Month: Michaela Kenworthy’s blog
February is LGBT+ History month, a time to highlight and celebrate our LGBT+ colleagues for all their contributions. This year’s theme is ‘Activism and Social Change’ with a focus on the efforts throughout history from LGBT+ people, who have been activists and helped shape and create social change, advancing society for everyone using many different approaches to activism.
Our LGBTQ+ staff network chair, Michaela Kenworthy talks about the importance on history and shares her thoughts and feelings:
“As I sit here wondering what to write for LGBTQ+ History month I can’t help but be aware that in previous years we have written directly about people and events as being part of the narrative.
In the month that has seen Holocaust Remembrance Day, quite correctly promoting the idea that this event in history should not be forgotten or repeated and accepting that LGBTQ+ people (identified by a pink triangle) were part of this persecution. It is right that perhaps we should look at what history is.
In a month where we have Race Equality week, looking at tackling the issues regarding barriers in the workplace and proving beyond doubt that we are a truly open, multicultural society, we are met with the typical response from some quarters of the world that ‘we cannot do a given thing’.
Had any of our forebears stood there and said; ‘We cannot do this or we cannot change that’, it is highly doubtful that I would be sitting here writing this piece.
The fact is that not just as our own LGBTQ+ community, but as all the Trust network communities, we have developed and grown in adversity, having had to fight for the changes and respect that others take for granted. It has taken bravery, it has cost lives and sadly it will continue to do so until we can all accept each other for who we are without judgement or prejudice.
History is littered with great successes as well as great disasters and our LGBTQ+ history is no different. It is the history that determines how we move forward, how we make things better and how we add value to society. It is history that tells us what pitfalls to avoid, what works and what doesn’t. So why are we still fighting? What is it all for if we are constantly having to justify our existence? The answer of course is that we do not give in and like those that went before us we fight for every inch of ground we can gain, just to live the ‘normal’ life
So, irrespective of what people say they can do or not, we are worthy, we are survivors and we are amazing. History teaches us this. When there is no space in our hearts for hate, only kindness and love, we are truly winning. Then we are making a history to be proud of.”
The LGBTQ+ staff network is a space where inclusion, understanding, and support thrive. The network drives positive change, promotes understanding, and cultivate an organisational culture that values and respects the unique identities of all employees, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity. If you work for the Trust and want to be involved, as a member or an ally, email LGBT@swyt.nhs.uk.
