The history of
lesbian,
gay,
bisexual, and
transgender (
LGBT) peoples and cultures around the world dates back to the first recorded instances of same-sex love and sexuality of
ancient civilizations. What survives of many centuries' persecution—resulting in shame, suppression, and secrecy—has only recently been pursued and interwoven into historical narrative. In 1994 the annual observance of
LGBT History Month began in the US, and it has since been picked up in other countries. They cover the history of the people,
LGBT rights and related
civil rights movements. It is observed during October in the United States, to include
National Coming Out Day on October 11. In the United Kingdom, it is observed during February, to coincide with a major celebration of the 2005 abolition of
Section 28, which had prohibited schools from discussing LGBT issues or counseling LGBT or
questioning youth.