🌈 LGBTQIA+ History Month: Why Did It Start?
As we celebrate LGBTQIA+ History Month this October, the Prism Leadership Team will be sharing a series of posts each Thursday throughout the month. Together, we'll explore the origins of LGBTQIA+ History Month, the stories that were missing from traditional history education, how recognition has evolved over time, and why continued celebration remains important today.
The Beginning
LGBTQIA+ History Month was founded in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high school history teacher who recognized that LGBTQIA+ people and their contributions were largely absent from the history being taught in schools. Wilson believed that students deserved a more complete understanding of history, one that included the experiences, achievements, and impact of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Addressing Missing Representation
At the time, LGBTQIA+ history was rarely included in textbooks or classroom curriculum. Wilson has spoken about teaching American history from an 800-page textbook that contained no meaningful references to LGBTQIA+ people or their contributions. LGBTQIA+ History Month was created to help address that gap by bringing visibility to stories, leaders, activists, artists, educators, and community members whose impact had often gone unrecognized.
Inspired by Other History Months
Wilson drew inspiration from Black History Month and Women's History Month, recognizing the value of dedicating time to learning about communities whose contributions were frequently overlooked in traditional historical narratives. He believed that understanding history can build awareness, provide role models, and help create a more complete picture of our shared past.
Why October?
October was intentionally chosen because it falls within the academic calendar, making it easier for schools and educators to participate. The month also includes National Coming Out Day (October 11) and commemorates two major events in LGBTQIA+ history: the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights on October 14, 1979, and the Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights on October 11, 1987. These events brought hundreds of thousands of people together to advocate for equality, visibility, and civil rights, making October a meaningful month for reflection and education.
Throughout October, we'll be sharing bits of LGBTQIA+ history that help tell the story of how we got here today.
We hope you'll learn alongside us and share your own stories, resources, and perspectives along the way. 💜
📚 A little extra incentive to join the conversation: Throughout October, we'll be randomly selecting a few community members who engage with our LGBTQIA+ History Month posts to receive a book. Share your thoughts, stories, questions, or resources along the way for a chance to be selected.