Grants of up to £1,000 on offer to groups for LGBT+ History Month
Hackney Council is offering microgrants of up to £1000 for community groups and charities to hold events and activities in support of LGBT+ History Month in February 2023.
Applications are open to all voluntary, community and recreational groups, as well as not-for-profit and charitable organisations, until Sunday 6 November. The pilot £6,000 microgrants scheme, part of the Hackney Pride365 arts and culture programme, will fund community events, educational activities, film screening, talks, walks and exhibitions which celebrate LGBTQIA+ communities (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and all other identities under the LGBT umbrella).
UK LGBT+ History Month takes place every February to highlight LGBT+ history and raise awareness of the challenges faced by LGBT+ communities. The first LGBT+ History Month in the UK took place in February 2005 to commemorate the ending of Section 28, part of the Local Government Act that prevented schools and public bodies from promoting homosexuality.
While the month is known as LGBT+ History Month, Hackney celebrates all LGBTQIA+ communities (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and all other identities under the LGBT umbrella).
Hackney is proud of its long history of empowering diverse communities and effecting positive change. LGBTQIA+ History Month is an opportunity to reflect on our shared past; including marking the struggles and celebrating successes on equalities; and looking to the future. The events and activities funded by these microgrants will enable us to enhance and instill the Council's ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion across the borough.
We want to build on the work of Hackney Pride 365 and ensure Hackney is a safe and inclusive place for our LGBTQIA+ residents. With reports of an increasing number of hate crimes being committed across the UK it is as important as ever that we take time to acknowledge our history and do what we can to help promote, raise awareness and educate about equality.
Through the microgrant programme I am delighted that we can further demonstrate our commitment to celebrating all LGBTQIA+ communities by continuing to fly the inclusive rainbow flag and ensuring that Hackney is an open and accepting borough for everyone to live.
Notes to editors
Applications for LGBT+ History Month microgrants can be made here
Events or activities must be delivered within the month of February 2023. Applicants will receive decisions the week of Monday 21 November when a contract will be offered as part of the microgrant process.
For more information please email culture@hackney.gov.uk using the subject title: LGBTQAI+ history Month microgrants, or visit www.lovehackney.uk/lgbt-history-month