LGBT+ Timeline

The First HumansBefore the written word, the only records we have are archaeological and ancient drawings. It seems that the evidence shows that LGBT+ people have always existed. And known how to party!
2500BCEAncient Mesopotamia - 4500 years ago - followers of Inanna are thought to have been non-binary.
1991 BCEThe Maxims of Phahotep mention "woman-boys" - we don't know if that refers to sexuality or gender or both but it is certainly evidence of LGBT+ people at the time.
800 BCEIn 1973, the ancient skeletons of two men were discovered in Iran, buried together as lovers.
600BCEMany of the poems of Sappho of Lesvos are now lost but what remains describe the love between women. Sappho's name lives on in the term for lesbian romance writing (Sapphic) and Lesvos gave us the word 'Lesbian'.
500BCEIn the Iliad, Homer wrote of Achilles and Patroclus. As was usual in Ancient Greece, deep friendships between men were often sexual relationships as well. Ancient Greece has stories of the whole spectrum of LGBT+ identities.
200BCE'The Passion of the Cut Sleeve' comes from the Han dynasty of ancient China and refers to Emperor Ai loving Dong Xian so much that he cut off his sleeve that his lover was asleep on, rather than waking him. Awww.
100 BCEIn Ancient Rome, The philosopher Favorinus was most likely non-binary and intersex. Romans believed that all humans were women in the womb and that maleness grew (or didn't ) to one extent or another from there. Emperor Nero married Sebina - a trans woman.
100BCEThe Sanskrit Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita describe same-sex relations and gender non-conformity. The Karma Sutra dedicated chapter 9 to "Third-Nature" identities. "Same sex relationships are to be engaged in and enjoyed" says the Karma Sutra.
More
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Voices and Visibility

Voices and Visibility: Uncovering Hidden Histories - website and wallchart
The wallchart has been produced by the Forum for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Equality in Further and Higher Education and a group of trade unions in association with LGBT+ History Month from Schools Out.
The aim has been to produce a resource to support those raising awareness of sexual orientation and gender identity equality and diversity.Centred on the United Kingdom, it highlights important legal milestones and identifies visible and significant contributions made by individuals, groups and particularly the labour movement.The group is currently developing a digital version of the chart. This will provide more detailed information about the campaigns, organisations and personalities identified in the wallchart. Guidance for educators using the resources is also planned.
Download Wallchart Voices and Visibility website
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