LGBTQ+ History Month

My wife and I started watching ‘Gentleman Jack’ on the BBC a few years ago, and we absolutely loved the protagonist, Anne Lister, who was brilliantly portrayed by Suranne Jones. Anne kept extensive diaries about her life and lesbian relationships (written partly in code!) which is what the historical drama is based on.

It was exhilarating to watch Anne march around 1830s Halifax, constantly glancing down at her pocket-watch to manage a busy schedule packed full of local business meetings and meetings with her lesbian lover, Ann Walker (albeit secretly, although sometimes not-so-secretly!).

Aside from enjoying watching her expertly talk down to anyone who might have dared to look down on her or her lifestyle, Anne was inspirational in every sense of the word. She loved who she loved, she wore what she felt comfortable in, she skilfully managed her household and looked after her family, and she was good-humoured, fair, but never a push over.

“Anne was inspirational in every sense of the word. She loved who she loved... she skilfully managed her household... and she was good-humoured, fair, but never a push over.”

Sophie Comiskey
Wellcome Sanger Institute

I first came across Abigail when a friend recommended her YouTube channel ‘Philosophy Tube’. She has produced a lot of interesting and informative content on, well, philosophy. Her idea was that, in the years since she did her philosophy degree, student fees have increased enormously, and so she wanted to share the things she learned for free. I think that giving back to the community in this way is very praiseworthy. She has also produced some very thoughtful and thought-provoking content on her own mental health and coming out as trans.

“Her idea was that, in the years since she did her philosophy degree, student fees have increased enormously, and so she wanted to share the things she learned for free. I think that giving back to the community in this way is very praiseworthy.”

Jennifer Liddle
Wellcome Sanger Institute

I’d like to highlight Sally Rugg, author of ‘How Powerful We Are’, which she describes as part memoir, part manifesto and part activist-handbook. It discusses the decades-long campaign for equal marriage rights for LGBTQ+ people in Australia. I found it to be such an interesting and inspirational read.

“I found [Sally Rugg's book 'How Powerful We Are'] to be such an interesting and inspirational read.”

Natalie Lazar Adler
Wellcome Sanger Institute

Someone who is changing history right now is Shivani Dave, who is doing amazing work reporting on LGBTQ+ news, among other things, and fights against ignorance and bigotry in an eloquent and charismatic way. Not only are they an incredible journalist, an engaging content creator and a hilarious performer, they are raising awareness of LGBTQ+ issues across the world and living as their true self. An inspiration on how to live your truth, Shivani is also a shining example of how to handle yourself in difficult interviews, and on a personal level, someone I couldn’t have made it through my masters without!

I would recommend everyone checks them out, either on social (Twitter is @ShivaniDave, Instagram & Tiktok @dah_vey), or their website https://www.shivanidave.co.uk/bio)

“Not only are they an incredible journalist, an engaging content creator and a hilarious performer, they are raising awareness of LGBTQ+ issues across the world and living as their true self.”

Rachael Smith
Wellcome Sanger Institute

Early in my career as a Human Resources Business Partner, I supported a colleague who undertook gender transition after 10 or so years working in a large office in their birth gender. This was around the early 2000’s and at a time when society was less knowledgeable and understanding. As such, I was in awe of the courage this person demonstrated, in engaging their workplace, their family and friends before taking the step to transition.

I believe it was the first such transition that my employer had supported (it was certainly my first such transition matter) and both the colleague and employer went on this journey together. I recall how the many gender based systems and processes across the workplace were awkward and clumsy, and this colleague showed exceptional patience and resilience.

I was given the opportunity to better understand someone else’s lived experience and I feel I’ve been able to make more inclusive decisions as a result. I am optimistic that society, employers and HR teams are far better equipped to provide support these days.

“I was given the opportunity to better understand someone else’s lived experience and I feel I’ve been able to make more inclusive decisions as a result.”

Charlie Weatherhogg
Wellcome Sanger Institute