February is LGBT+ History Month

It's time to honour the courage, resilience, and achievements of LGBT+ people throughout history, while recognising the work still needed to ensure equality, safety, and belonging for all.

Across Hull and East Yorkshire, the VCSE sector plays a powerful role in turning those values into action every day. From youth support and community spaces to advocacy and education, local organisations continue to challenge inequality and create welcoming, affirming environments for LGBT+ people of all ages.

Celebrating local impact 

We’re proud to recognise and celebrate the work of organisations across our area, including:

• The Warren Youth Project
• Lollipop Youth Project
• Time2Be Heard
• Local Pride groups, 
• Community centres
• All equality-focused charities making a real difference on the ground

These groups  and many others  support people, amplify voices, deliver education, champion rights, and foster community pride.

Their work reminds us how vital safe, inclusive spaces are, especially at a time when many LGBT+ people still face discrimination and exclusion.

Please contact us at community@heysmilefoundation.org if your organisation supports LGBT+ people and we will be happy to shout out to you! 

How VCSE organisations can get involved this month

LGBT+ History Month is also a call to action. This February, we encourage VCSE groups to:

• Celebrate and share LGBT+ stories — past and present
• Promote inclusive volunteering opportunities that welcome everyone
• Review policies and practices to ensure environments are safe and affirming
• Stand visibly against discrimination and hate, online and offline

Inclusion isn’t a one-month effort — it’s ongoing work. But moments like LGBT+ History Month give us the chance to pause, reflect, learn, and recommit together.