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National LGBT History Month

Honor and celebrate the rich and diverse history of the LGBT community during National LGBT History Month - a time for love, acceptance, and equality.
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When it is?
October 1
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United States
Introduction

October marks the beginning of National LGBT History Month, a time to celebrate and honor the achievements and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. This month-long observance was first established in 1994 by a high school teacher named Rodney Wilson, who believed that there needed to be more education and awareness about LGBT history and culture. Since then, it has grown into an important celebration worldwide, with various events held throughout the month to promote equality and acceptance for all. So let's raise our rainbow flags high and embrace this special month with open hearts!

History of National LGBT History Month

National LGBT History Month Dates

National LGBT History Month Timeline

<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'>Birth of LGBT History Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>High school teacher Rodney Wilson established National LGBT History Month, advocating for more education and awareness about LGBT history and culture.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2006</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Federal Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Equality Forum took over the coordinating role of LGBT History Month and began to provide resources, including an LGBT icon selected for each day of the month, nationally.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2009</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Presidential Acknowledgement</div><div class='timeline-text'>President Barack Obama officially recognized October as LGBT History Month, boosting its visibility at a national level.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Worldwide Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>Countries around the world start to celebrate LGBT History Month, fostering global unity, recognition and acceptance of the LGBT community.</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'>Landmark Year for LGBT Rights</div><div class='timeline-text'>The U.S. Supreme Court rules in favor of same-sex marriage, a significant milestone celebrated during LGBT History Month.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Virtual Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many events for LGBT History Month are held virtually, ensuring safe and inclusive celebrations.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate National LGBT History Month

<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 local Pride event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check your city's events calendar for any Pride parades, festivals, or other celebrations happening during National LGBT History Month. Attend with friends or family to show your support and celebrate the achievements of the LGBTQ+ community.</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'>Watch a documentary about LGBTQ+ history</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>There are many informative and inspiring documentaries about the history of the LGBTQ+ movement. Choose one to watch and learn more about the struggles and triumphs of the community throughout history.</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'>Read a book by an LGBTQ+ author</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Support LGBTQ+ literature by reading a book written by an LGBTQ+ author. You can choose from fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or memoirs to learn more about the diverse experiences of the community.</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'>Create a rainbow-themed art project</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get creative and make some colorful art to celebrate National LGBT History Month. Use rainbow colors to show your pride and support for the LGBTQ+ community.</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'>Volunteer for an LGBTQ+ organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a local LGBTQ+ organization and offer your time and skills to support their cause. This is a great way to give back to the community and make a positive impact during National LGBT History Month.</p></div></div>

Why National LGBT History Month is Important

<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 recognizes and honors the contributions of the LGBT community</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National LGBT History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the countless achievements and contributions made by members of the LGBT community throughout history. It shines a light on individuals who have fought for equal rights, paved the way for progress, and made significant impacts in various fields such as art, science, politics, and more.</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 educates and raises awareness about LGBTQ+ issues</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>LGBT History Month serves as a platform to educate people about the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community and the ongoing fight for equality. It helps to break down stereotypes and promote understanding and acceptance of diverse identities, promoting a more inclusive society for all.</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 celebrates diversity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By dedicating a whole month to celebrating LGBT history, it sends a powerful message that their voices matter and they are an integral part of our society. It gives recognition and support to the diversity within the community and encourages people to embrace their true selves, promoting a sense of belonging and unity.</p></div></div>

5 Enlightening Facts for LGBT History Month

<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'>The Rainbow Flag is a powerful symbol of LGBT pride</h3><p class='facts-content'>Designed by artist Gilbert Baker in 1978, the Rainbow Flag is globally recognized as a symbol of diversity, unity and pride for the LGBT community.</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'>Stonewall Riots marked the onset of modern LGBT rights movement </h3><p class='facts-content'>The Stonewall Riots that took place in New York City in 1969 were a series of spontaneous protests against a police raid that was the catalyst for the modern LGBT rights movement.</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'>Harvey Milk was the first openly gay elected official in the history of California</h3><p class='facts-content'>Harvey Milk, an American politician, became the first openly gay elected official in California's history in 1978 as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. He was a powerful symbol for the LGBT community.</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'>The “Lavender Scare” saw thousands of homosexual employees fired from the U.S. government</h3><p class='facts-content'>During the Cold War's "Lavender Scare," thousands of American federal workers were fired because they were perceived to be a security risk due to their sexual orientation.</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'>Marsha P. Johnson, a leading figure in the Stonewall uprising</h3><p class='facts-content'>Marsha P. Johnson is celebrated as one of the prominent figures in the Stonewall uprising of 1969. A champion for trans rights, she co-founded Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries, an organization dedicated to helping homeless young drag queens, gay youth, and trans women.</p></div></div>

National LGBT History Month FAQs

When is National LGBT History Month?

National LGBT History month is celebrated on October 1 every year. In 2024 National LGBT History Month will occur on a Tuesday.

National LGBT History Month Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Oct 1

Sunday

2024

Oct 1

Tuesday

2025

Oct 1

Wednesday

2026

Oct 1

Thursday

2027

Oct 1

Friday

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