>Senior politicians, broadcasters, legal professionals, teachers and gay rights advocates will gather in central London later next week to raise awareness of next year’s LGBT History Month.

The pre-launch event will be hosted by the London Crown Prosecution Service, the London Criminal Justice Board and Channel 4 at the Royal Courts of Justice.

The fourth Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) History Month just over three months away and the pre-launch is designed to encourage local authorities, public and voluntary organisations, schools, universities, unions and individuals to organise their own events to mark history month next February.

The minister for equality Barbara Follett will speak at the event alongside the Attorney General Baroness Scotland and Professor Stephen Whittle OBE, the founder of trans rights group Press for Change.

LGBT History Month is described as an opportunity for everyone to celebrate the diversity of our communities by acknowledging the achievements and contributions of LGBT people, past and present.

Sue Sanders from LGBT History Month said: “LGBT History Month is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the lives and wealth of experiences of LGBT people up and down the centuries and throughout the world. Whether you are LGBT or straight, such knowledge is vital if we are to understand the diversity of everyone’s history.”

Dru Sharpling, Chief Crown Prosecutor and member of the London Criminal Justice Board, said: “LGBT History Month is an opportunity for a UK celebration of the contributions LGBT people have made in all walks of life. We in London are fortunate to live in a particularly diverse community, and the CPS is delighted to support this celebration of LGBT achievements. Trust between agencies and members of the community is increasing with the vigorous efforts made by the Criminal Justice services to prosecute hate crimes.”

Short films will be shown after the speakers that explore young LGBT people’s experiences, including Stamp Out Homophobia, Trans Journeys and Black Booty. In celebration of the 100th anniversary of his birth, we will be showing Quentin Crisp’s Alternative Queen’s Message.

With thanks to PinkNews.co.uk