Section 28: LGBTQ+ activism, education and resistance
Explore the history of Section 28 (1988-2003) in three online workshops. We examine its political origins and effects and how it shaped LGBTQ+ rights and collective memory in Britain.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
Section 28 was a law passed in 1988 to forbid ‘the promotion of homosexuality’ by local authorities. This course examines how Section 28 shaped LGBTQ+ activism, education, and cultural narratives from the 1980s to the present. We will analyse why the UK government introduced the law, its effects on education and society, and its legacy for contemporary LGBTQ+ communities.
What will we cover?
Session 1: Origins - The origins of Section 28: why the government introduced it and how it was justified. - The political and social climate of 1980s Britain, including the rise of moral conservatism and the "Loony Left" debates.
Session 2: Impact - The impact of Section 28 on schools, teachers, and LGBTQ+ students. - The wider effects of Section 28 on media, arts, and public discourse about LGBTQ+ identities. - The role of activism and protest.
Session 3: Legacy - How Section 28 is remembered today and its influence on current debates about LGBTQ+ representation in education and society.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Explain the political and social context that led to the introduction of Section 28. - Analyse the impact of Section 28 on LGBTQ+ life in Britain. - Evaluate the role of media and public discourse in shaping attitudes towards LGBTQ+ communities during this period. - Assess how protest movements and campaigns challenged Section 28 - Discuss how Section 28 has been remembered and represented in collective memory and its relevance to contemporary debates on LGBTQ+ rights.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore relevant shared resources will increase what you get out of the course.
However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Online class with lecture segments and discussion. There is no additional study outside the session..
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No additional costs, but you may wish to bring pen and paper or a digital equivalent for notetaking.
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/section-28-lgbtq-activism-education-and-resistance3053113Section 28: LGBTQ+ activism, education and resistancehttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/history-epidemics-HHS06-1024.jpg4949GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Histories, memories & heritage/Courses/Online courses/Courses/vm/Courses in democracy, rights and representation/Courses/vm/Pride at City Lit22851177117819071731136811345512285117711781653<p>Explore the history of Section 28 (1988-2003) in three online workshops. We examine its political origins and effects and how it shaped LGBTQ+ rights and collective memory in Britain.</p>003053107Section 28: LGBTQ+ activism, education and resistance4949https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/history-epidemics-HHS06-1024.jpgInStockEveningThuOnlineAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-06-11T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJun 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHMI364949Section 28: LGBTQ+ activism, education and resistance493249Syeda Alisection-28-lgbtq-activism-education-and-resistance/hmi36-2526<p>Explore the history of Section 28 (1988-2003) in three online workshops. We examine its political origins and effects and how it shaped LGBTQ+ rights and collective memory in Britain.</p>0000-Available|2026-06-11 00:00:00Section 28 was a law passed in 1988 to forbid ‘the promotion of homosexuality’ by local authorities. This course examines how Section 28 shaped LGBTQ+ activism, education, and cultural narratives from the 1980s to the present. We will analyse why the UK government introduced the law, its effects on education and society, and its legacy for contemporary LGBTQ+ communities.<p>Explore the history of Section 28 (1988-2003) in three online workshops. We examine its political origins and effects and how it shaped LGBTQ+ rights and collective memory in Britain.</p>Session 1: Origins<br>- The origins of Section 28: why the government introduced it and how it was justified.<br>- The political and social climate of 1980s Britain, including the rise of moral conservatism and the "Loony Left" debates.<br><br>Session 2: Impact<br>- The impact of Section 28 on schools, teachers, and LGBTQ+ students.<br>- The wider effects of Section 28 on media, arts, and public discourse about LGBTQ+ identities. <br>- The role of activism and protest.<br><br>Session 3: Legacy<br>- How Section 28 is remembered today and its influence on current debates about LGBTQ+ representation in education and society.- Explain the political and social context that led to the introduction of Section 28.<br>- Analyse the impact of Section 28 on LGBTQ+ life in Britain.<br>- Evaluate the role of media and public discourse in shaping attitudes towards LGBTQ+ communities during this period.<br>- Assess how protest movements and campaigns challenged Section 28 <br>- Discuss how Section 28 has been remembered and represented in collective memory and its relevance to contemporary debates on LGBTQ+ rights.This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore relevant shared resources will increase what you get out of the course.<br><br>However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills. <br><br>Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.Online class with lecture segments and discussion. There is no additional study outside the session..No additional costs, but you may wish to bring pen and paper or a digital equivalent for notetaking.<p>You may also be interested in:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/queer-time-and-memory-an-introduction/hmi77-2526" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Queer Time and Memory: An Introduction</a></li><li><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/queer-london-lives-law-and-liberation/hlw299-2526" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Queer London: Lives, Law, and Liberation</a></li><li><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/queer-uk-broadcasting-history/hmi47-2526" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Queer UK: Broadcasting History</a></li><li><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/should-we-be-universally-proud-of-gay-rights/hpc327-2526" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Should we be universally proud of gay rights?</a></li></ul>HistoryHistories, memories & heritagevirtual494932HMI36NONEThu11/06/26 - 25/06/2619:00 - 20:3019:0020:303 sessions (over 3 weeks)31 to 4 weeksWeekdayOnlineOnlineSyeda AliBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-06-11T00:00:00+00:00EveningJun 2026Culture, history & humanities4949Section 28: LGBTQ+ activism, education and resistancesection-28-lgbtq-activism-education-and-resistance/hmi36-2526<p>Explore the history of Section 28 (1988-2003) in three online workshops. We examine its political origins and effects and how it shaped LGBTQ+ rights and collective memory in Britain.</p>0000-Available|2026-06-11 00:00:00Section 28 was a law passed in 1988 to forbid ‘the promotion of homosexuality’ by local authorities. This course examines how Section 28 shaped LGBTQ+ activism, education, and cultural narratives from the 1980s to the present. We will analyse why the UK government introduced the law, its effects on education and society, and its legacy for contemporary LGBTQ+ communities.<p>Explore the history of Section 28 (1988-2003) in three online workshops. We examine its political origins and effects and how it shaped LGBTQ+ rights and collective memory in Britain.</p>Session 1: Origins<br>- The origins of Section 28: why the government introduced it and how it was justified.<br>- The political and social climate of 1980s Britain, including the rise of moral conservatism and the "Loony Left" debates.<br><br>Session 2: Impact<br>- The impact of Section 28 on schools, teachers, and LGBTQ+ students.<br>- The wider effects of Section 28 on media, arts, and public discourse about LGBTQ+ identities. <br>- The role of activism and protest.<br><br>Session 3: Legacy<br>- How Section 28 is remembered today and its influence on current debates about LGBTQ+ representation in education and society.- Explain the political and social context that led to the introduction of Section 28.<br>- Analyse the impact of Section 28 on LGBTQ+ life in Britain.<br>- Evaluate the role of media and public discourse in shaping attitudes towards LGBTQ+ communities during this period.<br>- Assess how protest movements and campaigns challenged Section 28 <br>- Discuss how Section 28 has been remembered and represented in collective memory and its relevance to contemporary debates on LGBTQ+ rights.This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore relevant shared resources will increase what you get out of the course.<br><br>However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills. <br><br>Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.Online class with lecture segments and discussion. There is no additional study outside the session..No additional costs, but you may wish to bring pen and paper or a digital equivalent for notetaking.<p>You may also be interested in:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/queer-time-and-memory-an-introduction/hmi77-2526" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Queer Time and Memory: An Introduction</a></li><li><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/queer-london-lives-law-and-liberation/hlw299-2526" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Queer London: Lives, Law, and Liberation</a></li><li><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/queer-uk-broadcasting-history/hmi47-2526" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Queer UK: Broadcasting History</a></li><li><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/should-we-be-universally-proud-of-gay-rights/hpc327-2526" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Should we be universally proud of gay rights?</a></li></ul>HistoryHistories, memories & heritageconfigurable
19071178Histories, memories & heritagehttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/further-historical-studies1/2/285/1177/1178/19071/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Histories, memories & heritage
