LGBT History Month
LGBT History Month is a month dedicated to the celebration of LGBTQIA+ history, heritage, and the commemoration of the gay rights and civil rights movements.
LGBT History Month was founded in 1994 in the US by a high school teacher named Rodney Wilson. Rodney was openly gay and believed that there should be a month dedicated to celebrating gay and lesbian history. October was chosen as the month to celebrate LGBT history as it coincides with the first two LGBT marches on Washington (in 1979 and 1987) and with National Coming Out Day, which is celebrated annually on October 11.
LGBT History Month is celebrated in the month of October in the US, Canada, Armenia, Romania, the Netherlands, Southeast Asia, and Australia. In the UK, LGBT History month is held in February and in Germany it is celebrated in May.
The International Committee
In 2021, the International Committee was founded. The International Committee is responsible for supporting current LGBTQIA+ History Months and encouraging the celebration of LGBTQIA+ History Months in more countries around the world.
Icons
During LGBT History Month, each day a different lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender icon is celebrated. These icons are featured with a video, biography, bibliography, downloadable images, and other resources. The icons that are celebrated are chosen by co-chairs Jim Obergefell and Sharon Ullman through nominations from organisations and the public. Icons are selected for their achievements or contributions to LGBT civil rights. Some memorable icons include:
- Lili Elbe: Transgender pioneer and painter
- Alan Turing: Mathematician
- Lori Lightfoot: Mayor of Chicago
- David Bowie: Singer and actor
- George Takei: Actor
- Eliza Byard: LGBTQ Youth Advocate