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Historical LGBT+ Figures
Every year Schools Out highlight LGBT+ people across the centuries. The figures this year have created social change for women, the environment, housing, nuclear disarmament, preserving heritage, abolition of the slave trade, and immigration, among many other causes.
One of these figures is Octavia Hill (1838-1912). She was one of Victorian Britain's most important social reformers and a co-founder of the National Trust.
She coined the term 'The green belt' and campaigned for more recreational, open spaces in inner-city London and preservation of the countryside. She helped the National Trust to buy and protect its first land and houses and campaigned for the preservation of footpaths to ensure everyone had right of access to the land.
"Her belief in the importance of access to nature for human wellbeing and the need to stop the destruction of the natural landscape are even more relevant today." - National Trust
Click on this link to read more about Octavia Hill and her connection to The National Trust:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/discover/history/people/octavia-hill-her-life-and-legacy
She also worked to improve social housing conditions, and established the idea of personal casework, leading to the development of modern social work.
The next is Ivor Cummings, he became the first Black person to obtain a position in the Colonial Office in 1941. He received an OBE and continued to advocate for Black Britons throughout his career .
Ivor was a gay man and socialised in Black queer intellectual circles in the 1930s and 1940s. This was an era where it was difficult to be open about being gay. In a time of racial tensions and hostility, Ivor Cummings was an important advocate for the rights of Black people, in Britain and abroad, and hopefully made those who were first time visitors to Britain on the Empire Windrush feel more welcome.
To learn more about Ivor click here: Ivor Cummings National Archive
Throughout the month of February we are going to highlight and share the stories of LGBT+ Figures who have fought for equality and legal rights.
At The Recovery College, we have a great Recover Together LGBTQ+ group as part of our connecting pathway where we meet and learn about things close to the hearts of the LGBTQ+ community.
If you are interested in joining our LGBTQ+ group please email
The RC Team
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