Trailblazers & Changemakers: LGBTQ+ History Month 2026 panel recap
February 20, 2026In celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month 2026, myGwork hosted an insightful panel discussion led by Lauren Schweppe, featuring prominent voices in the LGBTQ+ community. The panelists all shared their inspirations from LGBTQ+ history, challenges faced today, and their hopes for the future.
Marie-Helene Tyack, from Allianz Commercial, opened the discussion by sharing her excitement about launching 'Lesbian History Day'. She noted the importance of representation in history, saying, "I think it's so important that the younger generation are curious," and expressed her concern regarding the erasure of lesbian identities in historical narratives.
"You know, lesbians were there during the AIDS crisis. We were the ones that were there looking after the patients." Her emphasis on this history reflects a desire to ensure that the contributions and sacrifices of lesbians are remembered and honored by future generations.
Lee Dibben, a queer historian, spoke about the often-overlooked individuals within the LGBTQ+ community. They stated, "The people that we saw on the street when we were younger, all the people that sort of lived but wouldn't have considered themselves change makers or trailblazers."
Lee highlighted the significance of recognizing these everyday individuals, who contribute to the community's fabric, as they might not have always been celebrated in historical accounts. They further explained the impact of archival biases, emphasizing the need to include diverse voices in queer history, encouraging the audience to remember that "we often lose the reality of their lives."
Taofique Folarin from Spectra brought a focus on public health and activism. He mentioned the influential figure Barbara Burford, stating, "She never lost her voice, and she brought her full identity, she was Black, lesbian, loud." This acknowledgment of intersectionality within activism highlighted Taofique's discussion on challenges faced by marginalized communities.
He articulated a significant issue activists encounter, saying, "One of the biggest challenges activists had is just basically being heard and also being believed." He called for a paradigm shift in how communities engage with research and advocacy, asserting, "The only real way to do that is actually to really go into the qualitative data, like the experiences, the people, the humans behind it."
Liv Hennessy, representing English Heritage, connected storytelling and community engagement to the preservation of LGBTQ+ history. Liv remarked, "We need to work with communities rather than for communities," highlighting the necessity of collaboration in activism.
They shared their experience of doing oral history projects with older LGBTQ+ individuals, saying, "It really helped me provide a sense of belonging, and continuity, especially during the struggles today."
As the panel progressed, the speakers discussed ongoing challenges in the LGBTQ+ community, particularly regarding rights and representation. The conversation highlighted the need for continued activism and collective efforts to ensure that all voices are heard and valued.