It's LGBT+ History Month, a time to highlight and celebrate all that LGBTQIA+ people have achieved throughout history. So, we spoke to your LGBTQIA+ student representative, Alex Thomas, about their perspective on LGBT history, what it means to them, and what OU students can do beyond this month (plus, read to the end for a chance to win!)...
Tell us about yourself and why you wanted to become LGBTQIA+ representative for OU students.
I am a stage 1 social psychology student, it’s been great to be part of the LGBTQIA+ community at The Open University. I’m non-binary, queer and disabled and use they/them pronouns. I want to make sure that everyone knows their voice is valued, and feel confident and comfortable being open about their LGBTQIA+ identity.
What (or who) comes to mind when you think of LGBT History Month?
I think of people throughout time, who had to fight live their lives openly. I don’t think it it’s right to pin that down to any one person. Some people helped by abseiling in the house of lords, some helped by marching. It’s all equally important and valid activism.
This year, LGBT History Month is focusing on Science and Innovation, what does this mean to you?
Science isn’t really something I can comment about! But innovation and queerness go hand in hand. Queer language, fashion, passing on of history and culture, fighting aids, transitioning, has all taken innovation. When something or some group of people are forced underground, they don’t disappear, they innovate so they can keep living their lives.
Can you share a significant moment or person from LGBTQ+ history that inspires you?
I’m really inspired by the work of LGSM in the 80s, it used to stand for Lesbians and Gays support the miners. By supporting striking miners LGSM stood in solidarity with other people who were suffering. LGSM still exists but it stands for Lesbian and Gays support the migrants.
Beyond this month, what steps can OU students take (in their studies and beyond) to continue learning and appreciating LGBTQ+ history?
If you're interested in a certain topic, search for its queer history on the internet. Follow accounts about queer history on social media and visit places like Queer Britain in person or Bishopsgate Institute and The Museum of Transology online.
Win a set of books on Queer History!
Answer the question below correctly to be entered into our prize draw for the chance to win the following books; Queer: A Graphic History, Queer as Folklore, and Twenty-Eight.
How many coloured stripes were used in the Gilbert Baker pride flag?
Submit your answer here
Competiton closes: 1 March, 2026