How Digital Platforms Help Us Celebrate LGBT+ History Month

LGBT+ History Month may be drawing to a close but that doesn’t mean the celebrations are over. In fact, if anything the beginnings of the month have shown just how connected we can be in a remote world – meaning that we won’t be stopping any time soon!

But how have digital platforms allowed us to commemorate the month? Well, that’s exactly what we’ll be taking a look at in today’s article.

Live Events

Events may not be ‘live’ in the way we’d like them to be but they’re certainly alive and kicking. LGBT+ organisations, prominent brands and even lone individuals have the capacity to organise large-scale events to commemorate and celebrate LGBT+ history. And don’t worry if you haven’t joined one yet, there’s still time.

So go and check out LGBT + History Month’s packed calendar of innovative and creative events. Why not join in group film screenings or queer writing sessions? If that doesn’t suit, why not try the University of Wolverhampton’s Queer Kitchen’ event!

Digital Dating

‘Digital dating’ is a dreaded phrase for some but within the LGBT+ community, it’s undoubtedly allowed for an increase in relationships and meaningful connections. In fact, it’s been thought that 70% of LGBTQ+ relationships are rooted in dating apps such as Tinder, Grindr or Bumble.

These platforms have created a space for members of the community to safely and freely connect. We can’t think of a better way of celebrating than doing just that!

Social Media Support

Whilst social media has developed quite a reputation for being problematic and potentially dangerous for some users, it’s also a fantastic resource for communities across the globe. The LGBT+ community is no exception.

Whether it’s Twitter, Instagram or TikTok – even Facebook if you’re old school – social media has given every voice a platform to be heard. Individuals can connect from afar and share their stories, their struggles and their support. Spaces such as these have become a vital part of modern LGBT+ culture and undoubtedly provides a cause to celebrate.

These platforms additionally allow for the circulation of important LGBT+ historical moments – such as the Stonewall Riots. Whilst such information is often absent from our history books, social media allows individuals both within the community and allies of the community to drive the conversation and ensure that their history and their hardships are not forgotten.

Streaming Platforms

We likely don’t need to remind you that in this amidst lockdown rules, streaming platforms have been a fantastic way to keep occupied, entertained and, quite frankly, sane. They also provide a great source of LGBT+ content if you look in the right places. In fact, a leading example of how these platforms have helped us celebrate LGBT+ History Month has been Channel 4’s release of It’s A Sin – and if you haven’t seen the show yet, where have you been!

It’s A Sin follows a group of young men exploring their sexual identity within the 1980s – a particularly tumultuous time for the LGBT+ community with the AIDs crisis destroying the lives of so many. Whilst this is by no means an easy series to watch, it’s certainly reflective, informative and entirely gripping. A perfect watch if you’re looking to understand and empathise with the period.

And, of course, platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Sky all host an abundance of prideful classics. From Pride to Moonlight straight through to RuPaul’s Drag Race!