LGBT+ History Month during February is a poignant month as it coincides with the abolition of section 28 in 2003, a policy that prohibited the ‘promotion’ of homosexuality by local authorities and in schools.
This year's LGBT+ History Month is about looking back at years of LGBTQ+ activism and social change.
This social change includes the legalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales in 1967 (1980 in Scotland and 1982 in Northern Ireland) through to more recent protections under the Equality Act 2010 and same sex marriages, and summers filled with Pride celebrations in most towns up and down the country, including Bury Pride which takes place each year in June.
A lot of changes in social acceptance and attitudes and legislation have taken place between 1967 and today.
To mark LGBT+ History Month this year, we have teamed up with the Bury LGBTQI Forum and our local FROGS (Finally Realising Our Genuine Selves) LGBTQ+ Youth Group to host a Lunchtime LGBT+ History Month walking tour around Bury Town Centre on Tuesday 24th February.
Starting at the Victoria Wood statue the tour will take in eight buildings and landmarks that have relevance to Bury’s LGBTQI+ history on Silver Street, Bolton Street, Market Place, Market Street, Kay Gardens and the Town Hall.
The route is approximately one kilometre and the tour is expected to take around 60 minutes to complete.
Anyone wishing to join the tour is asked to meet at the Victoria Wood statue in Library Gardens (opposite the Art Gallery, Library and Fusiliers Museum) for a 12 noon start.