Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBT+) History Month, celebrated every October, aims to raise awareness, combat prejudice, and celebrate the diversity and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community. It was established in 1994 by a Missouri high school teacher who believed a month should be dedicated to the celebration and teaching of gay and lesbian history.
October was chosen because schools are in session and it includes National Coming Out Day on October 11, and the anniversary of the first march on Washington for gay and lesbian rights in 1979. The month also features Spirit Day on October 20, when people wear purple in support of LGBT youth, Ally Week to honor allies against LGBT bullying, and the anniversary of Matthew Shepard’s murder on October 12, 1998, which led to the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act in 2009.
Web Links:
- APA LGBTQ Resources and Publications (American Psychological Association)
- Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month (Smithsonian)
- GLAAD Media Reference Guide (GLAAD)
- A Guide to Gender Identity Terms (NPR)
- LGBTQ Rights (ACLU)
- LGBTQIA+ Hollywood Stars to Watch (IMDB)
- The Meaning Behind 32 LGBTQ Pride Flags (Reader’s Digest)
- Nursing Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Populations: ANA Position Statement (American Nursing Association)
- Pride Month (PBS)
- Q Chat Space: A Community for LGBTQ+ Teens
- Rainbow Book Month (American Library Association)
What is the difference between LGBT+ History Month and Pride Month?
The primary goal of LGBT+ History Month is to highlight and celebrate the history and achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. According to GLAAD, it began as a call to action and commemoration but has grown into a national effort to spotlight exemplary role models from the LGBT community. Since 2006, this initiative has been led by Equality Forum, a prominent LGBT rights and education organization.
Pride Month, on the other hand, is dedicated to recognizing the impact of LGBTQ+ people on society and advocating for equal justice and opportunity. Celebrated in June, it commemorates the Stonewall Riots of June 1969, a pivotal event in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Pride Month is marked by parades, festivals, and various events that promote visibility, acceptance, and legal rights for the LGBTQ+ community.
Support the LGBT+ Community:
While education and awareness are essential first steps, continued action is crucial for being an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community. Get more involved by learning about and supporting organizations such as:
- GLAAD (The world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization)
- It Gets Better Project (Nonprofit org with a mission to uplift, empower, and connect LGBTQ youth around the globe)
- Trevor Project (The leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit org for LGBTQ+ young people)
- PFLAG (First and largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+)
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