October 11, 2023 - Celebrate LGBTQIA+ History Month in October

LGBTQIA+ History Month is a designated time to celebrate and recognize the history, achievements and struggles of the LGBTQIA+ community. It takes place in October each year and aims to raise awareness, promote inclusivity and honor the contributions of LGBTQIA+ individuals throughout history. This occasion began in 1994 when Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high school teacher, believed that a month should be dedicated to the celebration of gay and lesbian history, and October was chosen to coincide with other existing traditions, such as Coming Out Day on October 11.

It is important to celebrate and recognize this LGBTQIA+ History Month for several reasons:

1. Visibility and Representation: LGBTQIA+ History Month provides an opportunity to highlight the visibility and representation of LGBTQIA+ icons in history. By recognizing their contributions, we can challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and foster a more inclusive and accepting society. Queer people exist in all four corners of the world and have done so for thousands of years. It is important to remember that we have been here since the beginning.
   
   
2. Education and Awareness: LGBTQIA+ History Month allows for the education and awareness of significant milestones, events, and figures in LGBTQ history. By learning about the struggles and achievements of the Queer community, we can develop a deeper understanding of their experiences and promote empathy and acceptance.
   
   
3. Validation and Empowerment: Celebrating LGBTQIA+ History Month validates the experiences and identities of LGBTQIA+ individuals. It sends a powerful message that their stories and contributions are valued and important. That their voices deserve to be heard. This recognition can empower LGBTQIA+ individuals and inspire future generations to become agents of change. 
   
   
4. Advocacy and Activism: LGBTQIA+ History Month serves as a platform for advocacy and activism. It provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the ongoing injustices faced by the LGTBQ+ community. This also creates a learning environment for the community to sharpen their skills in advocacy and work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive society. 
   
   
5. Creating Inclusive Spaces: By celebrating LGBTQIA+ History Month, we contribute to the creation of inclusive spaces where queer individuals can feel seen, heard, and valued. It helps to break down stigmas, foster understanding, and build a more accepting environment for all. 

Each Sunday in October, LGBTQIA+ Student Services will share LGBTQIA+ History Month information on Instagram (@lgbtqiawhitman). LGBTQIA+ Student Services will host a weekly discussion group today from Noon–1 p.m. in the Lizzie Murr Conference Room at Cleveland Commons. Tonight, the office will host “The Road to Queerness: Open Mic Night” from 4–6 p.m. in the Reid Campus Center Basement.

LGBTQIA+ History Month Resources

Visibility and Representation:

• SAGE: The National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging
• TransLash
• The Bayard Rustin Papers: Lecture Video

Education and Awareness:

• The Ultimate LGBTQIA+ History and Culture Extravaganza: Recording and Training Tool Kit
• Pink News
• Understanding and Teaching U.S. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender History: Podcast Episodes

Validation and Empowerment:

• LGBTQIA+ History Month: Icons
• Instagram: @Genderjusticela 
• Community-led funding initiative: Trans Justice Funding Project

Advocacy and Activism:

• Making Gay History: The Podcast
• Storycorps: Stonewall Outloud
• Outwords: Milestones in Queer History

Creating Inclusive Spaces:

• The Lavender Rights Project
• Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf
• Non-profit professional organization with higher education chapters: Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM)