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STATEMENT OF SUPPORT FROM THE MINISTER FOR LGBT HISTORY MONTH
29/01/2010
History Month gives us an opportunity to reflect on the role that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people have played in our history
- a role has often been invisible, forgotten or denied. History Month allows us to celebrate the contribution that LGBT people made to our rich and diverse Scottish culture in days gone by, but also provides a platform for looking forward and for future work.
The LGBT History Month Toolkit produced by LGBT Youth Scotland is a great resource to help incorporate History Month into the lives of younger people and strengthens the message for inclusion for all Scotland's diverse population.
The Scottish Government recognises the value of History Month to the LGBT community and beyond, and are proud to have funded the co-ordination of this event for the last five years. To have a month dedicated to celebrating the lives and achievements of LGBT people and raise awareness of the issues LGBT people face can only help us positively challenge the negative attitudes held by some.
The stories and experiences uncovered and shared through History Month events across Scotland will undoubtedly inspire us all to redouble our efforts to eliminate the discrimination that persists. I look forward to playing my part in creating a Scotland in which LGBT people can make a full contribution to our communities and our culture, and to the success and productivity of our country. It is just as important that this contribution is recognised, valued and celebrated, and why I am happy to show my support for LGBT History Month, and likewise would encourage people to make full use of the variety of information and ideas within the LGBT History Month Toolkit.
ALEX NEIL MSP,
Minister for Housing and Communities