FOI Request - LGBT History Month 2020

Request 101002428993

Can you please detail responses the questions below relating to Council activity during February 2020 as part of LGBT History Month:

1. Did you fly the rainbow flag from any Council buildings during LGBT History Month (February) and for how long?
2. What activity, if any, took place in educational establishments to mark LGBT History Month?
3. Did the Council fund or directly organise any cultural or history/heritage events during LGBT History Month?
4. Was any activity to mark LGBT History Month organised for Council staff (such as training or awareness sessions)?
5. Did the Council engage followers on social media about any LGBT History Month activity in your area?

Response 19-03-2020

1. This year we did not fly the rainbow flag. We did fly the flag in June 2016 (in tribute to the victims of the Orlando nightclub shootings) and during February of 2018.

2. Speyside High School ran assemblies and community screenings to mark LGBT History Month.

The library in Buckie High School invited pupils to sign the school's LGBT flag which was displayed in the social area for a week.

Milne's High School celebrated purple Friday by inviting pupils to wear something purple, selling purple cupcakes and Purple Friday pins and writing pledges to add to the school's Rainbow Flag.

Elgin Library organised various activities throughout February to mark LGBT History Month, including LGBT+ reading lists for all ages, information stands and a display showing how society has changed for the better for the LGBT+ community in the last 20 years. The library's Facebook page showcased historical novels containing LGBT themes by posting weekly recommended reads. Borrowers were given the opportunity to record their views on LGBT+ rights over the last 20 years and their thoughts about what the next 20 years might hold for the LGBT+ community.

3. Other than those listed, please be advised in accordance with section 17 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 than no information is held.

4. Throughout February there was a banner on the Council's internal Interchange. By clicking on the banner, staff were directed to a quiz about significant events from LGBT history.

5. All the above activities were posted on Facebook/Twitter by those organising the events.
Moray Council publicised the events in the library on its website's news page and on Facebook/twitter.