The 2025 UK LGBT+ History Month theme is Activism and Social Change. 20 years ago, Schools OUT founded UK LGBT+ History Month to be a dedicated space to celebrate our rich and diverse history, herstory, theirstory. Throughout history LGBT+ people have been activists and helped shape and create social change, advancing society for everyone. 

For the Pride Medal workshop, you are invited to join artist Charlee Piper to create a medal based on something you are proud of in relation to activism or social change. Alternatively, you might choose to create a medal to honour a person or movement that you admire, such as Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners, Sylvia Rivera, Greta Thunberg. 

What to expect

• You will be asked a series of questions about how your participation in or respect for activism makes them feel, what colours or shapes you might associate with it, and so on.
• You’ll then have the chance to assemble your medal using a variety of materials. These can be sewn together or attached with safety pins. The majority of the materials used in the workshop are upcycled or recycled.
• A selection of materials safe for younger attendees will be available including card, markers, and glue.

“The Pride Medal workshop, created by Charlee M Piper and originally commissioned for The Pride Heart Project for the Journey LGBTQIA Asylum Seekers Group in Birmingham, is an introspective and celebratory experience.

“While medals are traditionally awarded by authority figures as symbols of external recognition, this workshop reimagines the concept by placing the power of recognition in the hands of peers and participants themselves. By rewarding and celebrating these qualities collectively, the workshop becomes a powerful affirmation of identity, pride, and authenticity.”