LGBT+ History Month 2026
February is LGBT+ History Month. Hear from our LGBTQIA+ Network at St Joseph’s Hospice and discover what we’ve been up to throughout the month to celebrate.
February is LGBT+ History Month, and St Joseph’s Hospice was proud to celebrate with a programme of events highlighting LGBTQ+ trailblazers and raising awareness of our commitment to inclusive and compassionate care.
Organised by our LGBTQIA+ Network, this year’s celebrations were centred around the national theme: ‘Trailblazers in Science & Medicine: LGBTQ+ People Who Changed Science and Healthcare.’
Throughout the month, a colourful display in the Hub showcased LGBTQ+ individuals who have made significant contributions to science, medicine and technology. It was a great opportunity for staff and visitors to learn more about their achievements.
The month began with a launch event, where everyone gathered to have a read through the display and chat with the network. We are very grateful to E5 Bakehouse and Violet for kindly donating such delicious cakes for the occasion.
Lunchtime Talks
We also hosted two fantastic lunchtime talks led by our hospice volunteers.
Our first speaker, Rebecca, explored the health inequalities faced by trans people at the end of life, drawing on both research and her personal experience as a carer. The session gave valuable insight about how an organisation can provide better care for transgender patients and for all patients.
Our second speaker, Sue, is a volunteer in our charity shops and a local historian with particular expertise in women’s history in Hackney. Sue shared stories all about LGBTQ+ people with connections to Hackney. It was wonderful to learn more about the contributions of LGBTQ+ people in our local community throughout history.
Both talks were deeply insightful and we’re so grateful to Rebecca and Sue for taking the time to come and share.
St Joseph's Hospice LGBTQIA+ Network
LGBT+ History Month is an important opportunity to celebrate and learn.
Helen, our Trusts and Grants Fundraising Manager, speaks about the month’s significance to her:
“It’s a chance for us to remember how from when the time when I was young, it was quite difficult to be LGBT+ and we all had to be a bit more cautious. Then I saw amazing LGBT+ people fighting for our rights, so for me it’s a really important time to remember that and celebrate that at the Hospice so that our patients, staff and visitors can see our amazing display and feel comfortable being here.”
We’d like to thank our LGBTQIA+ Network for organising such a fantastic programme of events, and thanks to everyone who took part also. We’re already looking forward to next year!
