Celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month, 9th February

This month we will be focussing on the History of the LGBTQ+ Community. We will be posting daily facts that are associated with people and communities that are part of a minority sexuality or gender identity.  We hope you learn something that you didn’t know before about LGBTQ+ History!

The History of Gender Identity in the British Empire

Gender identity is currently a topic that is being discussed in Britain and across the world.  Laws are changing to recognise the rights of people to live their lives as a gender other than that which they were born with.  This could be the complete opposite gender or any gender identity in between.  Some people even have no gender identity at all.

Before the age of the British Empire, many cultures across the world celebrated those who were in-between genders or physically born as a gender that they wanted to change.  Often this is referred to as a “third gender” and “transgender”, but really it is a lot more complicated than that, with many different definitions of gender existing all over the planet.

When Britain overtook countries in the age of empire, traditional British values were often promoted, meaning much of this understanding of gender was lost. The Two-Spirit Pride Flag is often used in America by Native Americans who consider their gender to be outside of traditional gender identities. 

Find out more: Pre-colonial communities' history of gender fluidity 

If students would like to discuss any of their needs regarding sexuality or gender identity then they can speak with any trusted adult at Stratford School Academy. Students can also contact Childline on 0800 1111 and be referred to sexuality and gender specialists.