Hundreds celebrate end of LGBT History Month in Sheffield

Crowds celebrated loud and proud in Sheffield as they marked the end of this year's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) History Month.
Sheffield Out Aloud LGBT choir perform as part of LGBT History Month celebrations in SheffieldSheffield Out Aloud LGBT choir perform as part of LGBT History Month celebrations in Sheffield
Sheffield Out Aloud LGBT choir perform as part of LGBT History Month celebrations in Sheffield

Hundreds of people attended talks, films, music and other events at the Millennium Gallery over the weekend, including a rousing performance by Sheffield Out Aloud LGBT choir.

This year's festivities, hosted by the Friends of Edward Carpenter and local charity SAYiT (Sheena Amos Youth Trust), had extra resonance as they marked the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of male homosexuality in England and Wales.

Sheffield's lord mayor Denise Fox cuts the 50th anniversary cake at the Millennium Gallery with Councillor Jack Scott, SAYiT chief executive Steve Slack and Kate Flannery, from Friends of Edward CarpenterSheffield's lord mayor Denise Fox cuts the 50th anniversary cake at the Millennium Gallery with Councillor Jack Scott, SAYiT chief executive Steve Slack and Kate Flannery, from Friends of Edward Carpenter
Sheffield's lord mayor Denise Fox cuts the 50th anniversary cake at the Millennium Gallery with Councillor Jack Scott, SAYiT chief executive Steve Slack and Kate Flannery, from Friends of Edward Carpenter
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Councillor Jack Scott, Sheffield Council's cabinet member for community services and libraries, said: "Sheffield has a proud history of standing up for equality and fighting prejudice. The weekend events showed how much we have achieved together and also how much more there is to do.

"Sheffield City Council will always champion fairness and ensure our residents can live their lives to the full and be who they were born to be."

LGBT History Month takes place each February to promote diversity and equality by celebrating the LGBT community's contribution to society and raising awareness of the issues they continue to face.

Sheffield's lord mayor, Councillor Denise Fox, who joined in the celebrations, said: "I was very proud to be part of the LGBT events. There was a great turnout which shows the vitality and vibrancy of Sheffield and all our communities."

Youngster Ben was among those celebrating LGBT History Month in SheffieldYoungster Ben was among those celebrating LGBT History Month in Sheffield
Youngster Ben was among those celebrating LGBT History Month in Sheffield
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Steve Slack, chief executive of SAYiT, which works with young LGBT+ people, said he was 'overwhelmed' by the numbers taking part in this year's festivities.

"This was one of the biggest history month events we have ever put on and as ever the people of Sheffield - gay and heterosexual, young and old - turned out in their hundreds," he said.

"We were grateful to the Friends Of Edward Carpenter, Sheffield City Council and to the Big Lottery Fund whose support allowed us to celebrate, educate and commemorate."

The celebrations culminated with the screening of a film made by young people working with E.D.E.N. Productions.

Sheffield's lord mayor Denise Fox cuts the 50th anniversary cake at the Millennium Gallery with Councillor Jack Scott, SAYiT chief executive Steve Slack and Kate Flannery, from Friends of Edward CarpenterSheffield's lord mayor Denise Fox cuts the 50th anniversary cake at the Millennium Gallery with Councillor Jack Scott, SAYiT chief executive Steve Slack and Kate Flannery, from Friends of Edward Carpenter
Sheffield's lord mayor Denise Fox cuts the 50th anniversary cake at the Millennium Gallery with Councillor Jack Scott, SAYiT chief executive Steve Slack and Kate Flannery, from Friends of Edward Carpenter
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It documented the experiences of older people growing up in an era when homosexuality was less acceptable than it is now.

Mr Slack said the film was a big hit, adding: "It reminded us that whilst equality and rights can be won they can also be lost. We have already been approached to show it at an international women's Festival in Greece."