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October

National LGBT History Month – October 2025

National L.G.B.T. History Month is observed every year in the United States during the month of October. This month commemorates and celebrates the history of lesbian, gay, transgender, and bisexual people. The holiday traces its roots to 1994 when it was created by a Mehlville High School teacher named Rodney Wilson in Missouri, U.S.A.

History of National LGBT History Month

National L.G.B.T. History Month was created by Rodney Wilson, a high school teacher in Missouri. He believed that it was necessary to dedicate a month to educating people about the history of gay and lesbian people. After collaborating with other teachers, the month of October — when school would be in session — was chosen.

In the spring of that same year, students in Wilson’s class had just concluded watching a film about World War II and the horrific events that took place during the Holocaust. After the film was over, Wilson presented the class with a poster of the patches that Jewish people were forced to wear at that time. He then said, “If I was alive during this time, I would be wearing this patch, because I am gay.”

Following this statement, Wilson faced a lot of backlash from concerned parents who feared that their children would be indoctrinated. However, Wilson was not fired by the school. The following year, he made tenure and continued teaching for that district for the next three years.

Rodney Wilson’s teaching journey didn’t end with that battle as he continued to teach G.E.D. classes to prisoners in Massachusetts. However, he eventually returned to Missouri where he has continued to participate in celebrations of National L.G.B.T. History Month. To date, he continues to attend virtual events for the holiday he spearheaded.

In 2006, an organization called the Equality Forum took up the responsibility of promoting and providing resources for the celebration.

National LGBT History Month timeline

1532
Holy Roman Empire

The Holy Roman Empire makes sodomy an offense punishable with the death penalty.

1994
Rodney Wilson

Rodney Wilson creates National L.G.B.T. History Month.

2001
The Netherlands

The Netherlands becomes the first country to legalize homosexual marriage.

2006
Equality Forum

The Equality Forum begins promoting and providing content for National L.G.B.T. History Month.

National LGBT History Month FAQs

Is pride month different from National L.G.B.T. History Month?

Yes. While Pride Month is celebrated in June, National L.G.B.T. History Month (in the U.S) is celebrated in October.

What does “Q” in “L.G.B.T.Q.” stand for?

The “Q” in “L.G.B.T.Q.” stands for “queer” or “questioning”.

Have there been any openly gay/lesbian heads of government?

Yes. At differing periods, the heads of government of Iceland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Ireland, and Serbia have either been openly gay or lesbian.

How to Observe National LGBT History Month

  1. Learn more

    Broaden your knowledge about the development of the L.G.B.T. and its history. Perform some more research and learn new facts.

  2. Celebrate with an L.G.B.T. person

    Recognize and celebrate with someone in your circle who identifies as a member of the L.G.B.T. community. Commit to understanding and helping more.

  3. Discuss

    Open dialogue is always better than silence. Engage in healthy and open discussions with others on the subject of L.G.B.T. Listen to understand and not respond. Understanding each other is a step in the right direction.

5 FACTS ABOUT THE FIRST COUNTRIES TO LEGALIZE SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

  1. The Netherlands

    The Netherlands became the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001.

  2. Belgium

    Belgium followed the Netherlands’ lead by legalizing same-sex marriage in 2003.

  3. Spain

    In 2005, the Spanish Parliament followed suit despite opposition.

  4. Canada

    In 2005, same-sex marriage became fully legal in the whole of Canada.

  5. South Africa

    In 2006, South Africa’s parliament lifted the restrictions against same-sex marriage.

Why National LGBT History Month is Important

  1. It creates an opportunity for discussion

    Whenever controversy exists, an open and healthy opportunity needs to be created for discussion. National L.G.B.T History Month creates that opportunity and allows people to air their opinions.

  2. It discourages discrimination

    National L.G.B.T. History Month is an opportunity to discourage discrimination among people, not only those who are L.G.B.T. Discrimination must be eradicated on issues of race, ethnicity, gender, and all areas where differences exist.

  3. It promotes diversity

    This holiday recognizes human diversity and encourages unity and love despite it. Love is one thing that unites people all over the world so let’s spread it.

National LGBT History Month dates

Year Date Day
2025 October 1 Wednesday
2026 October 1 Thursday
2027 October 1 Friday
2028 October 1 Sunday
2029 October 1 Monday
October
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
 
 
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