LGBT History Month is a national annual celebration that honors the achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Icons. Each day in October, a new Icon is spotlighted with a video, biography, bibliography, downloadable images, and other educational resources.
LGBT History is American History. As historian George Chauncey of Columbia University notes, the month sends a powerful message to educators, school boards, community leaders, and youth about the importance of recognizing LGBT individuals in the broader narrative of American history.
The origins of LGBT History Month date back to 1994, when Missouri high school teacher Rodney Wilson proposed dedicating a month to the teaching and celebration of gay and lesbian history. October was chosen because schools are in session and it includes Coming Out Day (October 11). The initiative quickly gained support from national organizations such as GLAAD, the Human Rights Campaign, and the National Education Association. In 2006, Equality Forum took on the role of providing content, promotion, and resources for the observance.
Celebrate Our Heritage. The LGBT community is unique in that its history is rarely taught at home, in schools, or in religious institutions. LGBT History Month helps fill that gap by offering role models, fostering community, and affirming the civil rights contributions of LGBT people both nationally and globally.
Equality Forum coordinates LGBT History Month, and in collaboration with learning institutions, professional associations, research centers, for-profit companies and nonprofit organizations oversees the application for and installation of government-approved LGBT historic markers, produces documentary films and undertakes other high-impact initiatives. For more information, visit www.equalityforum.com.
