The start of February marks the beginning of LGBT+ History Month. And Liverpool is the perfect place to begin, a city rich with queer history, landmark events and LGBTQIA+ trailblazers.
President of UoL LGBT+ society, Luke Shannon said that ‘I think ultimately Liverpool is unique in mixing the classic companionship and love of pride with the friendliness and kind nature of scousers in general’
He also highlighted that ‘As a scouser, I have been immersed my whole upbringing in how pride and LGBT people have helped our great city, from Paul O’Grady, to historical institutions like the masquerade, Lisbon and the once garlands.’
LGBT+ History month was founded in the UK by ‘Schools Out UK’ in 2004 who say it was set up to ‘claim our past, celebrate our present and create our future’. This year the theme is ‘Science and Innovation’.
In 2011 Liverpool became the first city in the UK with an official Pride Quarter – Stanley Street.
But this was far from the beginning of Liverpool’s connection to the queer community.
It was the location for the first (pre watershed) lesbian kiss on TV , Beth and Margaret’s kiss in Brookside.
Liverpool boasts names such as April Ashley MBE, model, author and activist who was one of the first people to undergo gender confirmation surgery in the UK.
The city also held the first civil partnership in a religious building when Kieran Bohan and Warren Hartley tied the knot.
And it is home to LFC, the first premier league club to be represented at a pride parade.
In 2026 this pride is set to continue for all members of the LGBT+ community in Liverpool. See our Instagram post about What’s On here.
