The month of October is dedicated to teaching about LGBTQ+ history month. What is LGBTQ+ history month and why do people observe it?

LGBTQ+ history month is a month decided to teaching LGBTQ+ history to everyone. The history month was first observed and founded in 1994 by Rodeny Wilson, a high school history teacher from Missouri. October serves as the history to coincide with national Coming Out Day which is Oct. 11.

Nationaltoday.com which lists the many national observations stated,

“On October 11, National Coming Out Day will continue to raise awareness for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, and champion the idea that homophobia thrives in silence. On this day, many people who identify as LGBTQ+ will ‘come out’ a term stemming from the phrase ‘come out of the closet’ to friends or family about their sexuality, which is a very big moment!”

When polled, 60.5% of the Ross high school student body did not know that it was LGBTQ+ history month. The month long celebration was originally intended to educate students about LGBTQ+, whether they identified as LGBTQ+ or not about queer history. As well as connecting queer students to people who could serve as role models. Many websites are dedicated to spreading awareness about LGBTQ+ history.

Nationaltoday.com also stated,

“LGBTQ+ History Month now also includes Ally Week — during which students are encouraged to be allies with LGBTQ+ members and stand up against bullying, Spirit Day on October 20 — on which the color purple is worn in solidarity with LGBTQ+ youth, and the death anniversary of Matthew Shepard — a 21-year-old who was murdered in a hate crime on October 12, 1998.”

George Chauncey, a professor of American history from Yale, on lgbthistorymonth.com speaks about the purpose of LGBTQ+ history month.

“LGBT History Month sends an important message to our nation’s teachers, school boards, community leaders, and youth about the vital importance of recognizing and exploring the role of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in American history.”

“The LGBT community is the only community worldwide that is not taught its history at home, in public schools or in religious institutions. LGBT History Month provides role models, builds community and makes the civil rights statement about our extraordinary national and international contributions,” stated the site.

Lgbthistorymonth.com is also known as the Equality Forum. This site is the official website for the month and runs a special countdown. For each day of the month one queer icon is presented with a written bio and short video. So far the stand outs have been Susan B Anthony, Frederic Chopin, and W.H. Auden. The site has over 400 icons to search and learn about.