Celebrating LGBT+ Science & Innovation
UK LGBT+ History Month is celebrated every February across the UK. 2026 will be the 22nd UK LGBT+ History Month.
The theme for 2026 is Science & Innovation. Diverse teams are essential for the development of solutions which benefit everyone, yet we might often struggle to name LGBT+ scientists and innovators. Each year five LGBT+ historical figures are chosen in line with the theme to highlight, for 2026 these are:
- Barbara Burford, a medical researcher who established NHS equality and diversity guidelines
- Charles Beyer, a locomotive engineer and a founding member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers
- Elke Mackenzie, a botanist who researched lichens in Antarctica
- Jemma Redmond, a biotechnologist who developed 3D bioprinters to create tissues and organs
- Robert Boyle, a founder of modern chemistry and of the modern scientific method
You can download images of the historical figures here.
There are a range of resources you can access via the LGBT+ History Month website including:
Schools Out is offering a limited number of free presentations for schools, colleges and youth groups in 2026. Find our more here.