How it Works

LGBT History Month celebrates the achievements of 31 lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender Icons. Each day in October, a new LGBT Icon is featured with a video, bio, bibliography, downloadable images and other resources.

Background

LGBT History Is American History

“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."

George Chauncey

Samuel Knight Professor of American History and Chair of the History Department, Yale University

In 1994, Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high school teacher, believed a month should be dedicated to the celebration and teaching of gay and lesbian history, and gathered other teachers and community leaders. They selected October because public schools are in session and existing traditions, such as Coming Out Day (October 11), occur that month.

Gay and Lesbian History Month was endorsed by GLAAD, the Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the National Education Association and other national organizations. In 2006 Equality Forum assumed responsibility for providing content, promotion and resources for LGBT History Month.

Celebrate Our Heritage

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.

• Create an LGBT History Month exhibit. Print out the PDF Icon bios, images and other resources to create an exhibit in the library, cafeteria, or other location. Visit theresources page to access each Icon's materials. Visit our Flickr page to see photos of LGBT History Month exhibits.

• Display posters. Download the LGBT History Month posters and the PDF bios from the resources page and post them on bulletin boards or in other high-visibility locations.

• Screen "Gay Pioneers," about the start of the organized gay and lesbian civil rights movement. Click on the store link to obtain a copy.

• Display table tents. Download the table tents from the resources page for all 31 Icons. Print, fold and place them in the cafeteria, in your classrooms or at a campus event.

• Learn about LGBT history in your classes. Ask your history teacher—or any supportive educator—to include the LGBT Icon of the day in class.

• Host an event. Hold an unveiling of your LGBT History Month exhibit. Sponsor a forum for educators, an assembly or a program.

• Host speakers. Invite members of the LGBT community who are connected to your school—a current or former teacher, an alumnus, or an activist—to participate.

• Become the teacher. Use the bios and other resources available on this site to make your own presentation for history class; or select Icons whose accomplishments are appropriate to art, theater, photography, business or any other class.

• Write an article. Submit an article to your school's daily bulletin, or to the school newspaper or newsletter.

• Make announcements. Make your voice heard. Submit an announcement to be read daily, briefly describing that day's Icon and directing students to this website.

• Approach your administration. Compile a list of famous LGBT Icons with bios and pictures from the resources and archives on this site. Send these items with a letter explaining that you had to learn about these influential leaders on your own. Urge your school's administrators to consider LGBT inclusion in the history curriculum.

• Start a diversity initiative. The struggle for equality is shared by all minority groups. LGBT History Month can open dialogue and build bridges. Plan an assembly or panel discussion.

• Involve your allies. LGBT History Month is designed for everyone.

• If you don't have a student group, start one! Thousands of schools have created gay-straight alliances and LGBT organizations; you can too. Visit the GSA Network for high school GSA guidelines and ideas.