LGBT History Month is an annual month-long observance that takes place in October. It was founded in 1994 by a Missouri high school teacher named Rodney Wilson. Its purpose is to showcase the achievements of gay icons as well as the gay and civil rights movements. It combats prejudice against the LGBT community.
Some Questions About LGBT History Month Answered
Why October? Because public school children are already in school and National Coming Out Day falls on October 11. Who observes it? U.S., Australia, Canada, Hungary, United Kingdom, and Ireland. Who endorses LGBT History Month? GLAAD, Human Rights Campaign, The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the National Education Association and other national organizations.
Since 2006, Equality Forum, a national and international LGBT civil rights organization with an educational focus, coordinates LGBT History month. It has provided content, promotion and resources for this celebration of LGBT diversity. Equality Forum provides role models, national and international contributions and has a yearly national and international LGBT civil rights summit.
It produces documentaries, DVDs, films such as Saint of 9/11,” The Life of Father Mychal Judge, chaplain of New York Fire Department, and Jim in Bold,” a feature length film, a story of Jim Wheeler, a gay man who committed suicide. Afterwards, a youth group conducted a road trip interviewing out gay and lesbian youth.
How you can Access The Icons Through October
LGBT History month celebrates the achievements of 31 LGBT icons every day in October. A new LGBT is featured with a video, biography, bibliography, downloadable images and other resources.
There is a diversity with the icons: Sappho ( ancient Greek poet), Emily Dickinson (1800’s U.S. poet), to more contemporary Lori Lightfoot, Mayor of Chicago, Kate McKinnon, SNL actress, Moises Kaufman, Broadway Director, Lil NasX, rapper and songwriters, to Billy Porter, Actor and Singer, for example.
You can visit these Daily icons page by clicking the name in the left and navigation. Read the biography. You can pull out a fact and pay it forward on your social media.
There is an 8’5″ x 11″ PDF bio or you can download all 31 in a PDF File or you can get a DVD 2019-LGBT History Month.
Why LGBT History Month is Important to Straight Parents
Your LGBT child may relish knowing and identifying with these role models. Don’t forget to mention the history of the LGBT civil rights: the Mattachine Society, a 1950’s organization that protected and improved the rights of gay men. Of course, emphasize New York City’s famous Stonewall Inn, the gay bar and National Historic Landmark that launched the gay rights movement.
Acceptance of the LGBT community (still has a ways to go) did not come easily. It was a struggle. Your children hopefully are grateful for the path that was forged for them!
When Your Child Is Gay: What You Need To Know
For more detailed advice, see book, co-authored with a mother of a gay son and a psychiatrist, Jonathan L. Tobkes, M.D.
