In Conversation for LGBT+ History Month - with Dr Rory McGill and Sefton Council's Rainbow Network

To mark LGBT+ History Month, we sat down with Dr Rory McGill, Director of Public Health, and Harriet Armstrong, Vice President of our Rainbow Network, to reflect on progress, research and the work still to be done. 

Visibility

Among the aims of the month is to highlight the importance of visibility. Rory is helping to lead that change as the only openly gay person to serve as a Director of Public Health in the Liverpool City Region. 

LGBT+ History Month is both a celebration and a moment of reflection. It commemorates the abolition of Section 28 in 2003. The amendment to the Local Government Act 1988 that prohibited local authorities from “promoting” homosexuality.  

Culture of fear

The national legislation created a culture of fear, contributing to the closure of youth groups, restrictions in libraries and reduced funding for arts and community projects. 

In conversation, Harriet speaks with Rory about his leadership, inclusion, education and what LGBT history means to him.  

You can watch the interview here.