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
The Holy Roman Empire makes sodomy an offense punishable with the death penalty.
Rodney Wilson creates National L.G.B.T. History Month.
The Netherlands becomes the first country to legalize homosexual marriage.
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
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.
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.
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
The Netherlands
The Netherlands became the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001.
Belgium
Belgium followed the Netherlands’ lead by legalizing same-sex marriage in 2003.
Spain
In 2005, the Spanish Parliament followed suit despite opposition.
Canada
In 2005, same-sex marriage became fully legal in the whole of Canada.
South Africa
In 2006, South Africa’s parliament lifted the restrictions against same-sex marriage.
Why National LGBT History Month is Important
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.
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | October 1 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | October 1 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | October 1 | Thursday |
| 2027 | October 1 | Friday |
| 2028 | October 1 | Sunday |
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