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October 1 marks the beginning of LGBTQ+ History Month, a time to celebrate and recognize the achievements and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (plus) people throughout history. This month-long celebration has been around since 1994 when it was created by Missouri high school teacher Rodney Wilson. Since then it has grown into an international event that is celebrated in countries all over the world. Let's take this time to honor our LGBTQ+ heroes who have paved the way for equal rights and acceptance!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1924</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First LGBTQ+ Organization Formed</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Society for Human Rights, the first known gay rights organization, was established in Chicago by Henry Gerber.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1950</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First National Gay Rights Group</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Mattachine Society, the first national gay rights organization, was founded by Harry Hay and others, focusing on social acceptance and civil rights protections.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1969</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Stonewall Uprising</div><div class='timeline-text'>Resistance to a police raid led to the Stonewall Uprising, a series of protests considered the catalyst of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1979</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Nationwide Pride March</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first nationwide LGBTQ+ Pride march was held in Washington, D.C., marking the 10th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1994</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First LGBTQ+ History Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high school teacher, inaugurates LGBTQ+ History Month, aiming to educate people about important gay and lesbian figures and events.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Marriage Equality Legalized</div><div class='timeline-text'>The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage was legal nationwide in the landmark case Obergefell v. Hodges.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a Pride event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Attending a Pride event is one of the best ways to show support for the LGBTQ+ community. Check out your local Pride events, or look for national events such as the National Equality March.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Support LGBTQ+ organizations</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>There are many organizations working to support LGBTQ+ rights, such as the Human Rights Campaign and GLAAD. Support these organizations by donating money, volunteering your time, or simply sharing their message with your friends.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Read books, watch documentaries, and talk to people in the LGBTQ+ community to learn more about their experiences and challenges. This can help you to understand the importance of celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share stories</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Share stories of inspiring LGBTQ+ individuals from history or present day with your friends and family. This is a great way to spread awareness and celebrate the accomplishments of those who have helped shape our society.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Fly the rainbow flag</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your support for the LGBTQ+ community by flying the rainbow flag at your home or workplace during the month of June. This is a powerful symbol that shows your commitment to equality and acceptance.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It honors and celebrates our history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>LGBTQ+ History Month helps to recognize and celebrate the achievements, accomplishments and contributions that LGBTQ+ individuals have made over the years. It is a way for us to honor our shared past, celebrate our victories and remember those who came before us.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It sheds light on issues still faced today</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Despite progress, there are still challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in the form of discrimination, violence, and lack of acceptance. By honoring our history, we can learn from the struggles faced in the past and use it to inform solutions to the issues we face now.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings visibility and representation</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Too often, LGBTQ+ identities are erased or underrepresented in mainstream media. LGBTQ+ History Month creates space for our stories to be heard, celebrated and amplified. By celebrating our identities and validating our experiences, we can create spaces where everyone feels seen and accepted!</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Harvey Milk was Pioneer in LGBTQ+ Rights Movement</h3><p class='facts-content'>In 1977, Harvey Milk made history by becoming one of the first openly gay people elected to public office in the US when he was appointed on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Pink Triangle Was Reclaimed as a Symbol of Pride</h3><p class='facts-content'>Originally used to identify LGBTQ+ individuals in Nazi concentration camps, the pink triangle has been reclaimed as a symbol of pride and solidarity within the LGBTQ+ community.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Marsha P. Johnson Sparked the Stonewall Uprising</h3><p class='facts-content'>Marsha P. Johnson, a prominent figure in the gay liberation movement, played a pivotal role in sparking the Stonewall Uprising in 1969, which led to an increase in LGBTQ+ activism.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Denmark was the First Country to Legalize Same-Sex Unions</h3><p class='facts-content'>In 1989, Denmark became the first country in the world to recognize same-sex unions, marking a significant milestone in LGBTQ+ rights.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Transgender Day of Visibility is Celebrated Annually on March 31</h3><p class='facts-content'>Established in 2009, Transgender Day of Visibility is dedicated to celebrating transgender people and raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide.</p></div></div>
LGBTQ+ History Month is celebrated on October 1 every year. In 2024, it will fall on a Tuesday.
2023
Oct 1
Sunday
2024
Oct 1
Tuesday
2025
Oct 1
Wednesday
2026
Oct 1
Thursday
2027
Oct 1
Friday
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