CSRA and Opening Doors partner for LGBT History Month

Yesterday evening, CSRA partnered with Age UK’s Opening Doors project to highlight 2014’s LGBT History Month. The event explored experiences of coming out in each of the decades since the end of World War II, and tied into LGBT History Month’s “music” theme.

The event was chaired by Baroness Barker, who is Liberal Democrat spokesperson on health matters and open Lesbian.

The event opened with Baroness Barker exploring how music has been a vehicle for the expression of sexual identity for a long time, sharing some of her own experiences and favourite songs.

Off to @UKCSRA + @OpeningDoorsLdn for @LGBTHM event. Coming out stories and music #expectingdusty</p>— Liz Barker (@LizBarkerLords) February 26, 2014

CSRA Chair, Oliver Entwistle, shared a brief overview of LGBT History running up to the end of World War II, and introduced speakers from Opening Doors and the Civil Service. Each of the speakers shared their coming out experiences, and how music punctuated those moments.

Guest speaker, David Mitchell, talks about high levels of police harassment in the 1950s but also shifting attitudes in wider society</p>— CSRA UK (@UKCSRA) February 26, 2014

Vito telling us about growing up in N.East. “I’m not afraid of anybody anymore. I don’t even have to make a statement.” #csra2014</p>— John Peart (@johnpeart) February 26, 2014

Peter from @OpeningDoorsLdn talks about setting up the Oxford Gay Action Group and the UK's first switchboard pic.twitter.com/Lu78X1JIwx</p>— CSRA UK (@UKCSRA) February 26, 2014

Gavin telling us how the music of the Pet Shop Boys empowered him as a young LGBT person in the 80/90s. #csra2014</p>— John Peart (@johnpeart) February 26, 2014

The event closed with CSRA’s chair reminding us that the story has not yet been finished, with many countries around the world still having laws against being LGBT, and many societies closer to home not being very accepting of LGBT people.

CSRA Chair, @OllieEntwistle, giving us “pause for thought”, as he highlights the march for equality is far from finished. #csra2014</p>— John Peart (@johnpeart) February 26, 2014

LGBT History Month is an annual event, held in February, that raises the profile of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans* people throughout history and highlights their contribution to society.

Thanks to all those who helped organise and deliver tonight's event, in particular @LizBarkerLords @OpeningDoorsLdn and @nialltg #csra2014</p>— CSRA UK (@UKCSRA) February 26, 2014