Community Voices for Health

By: Kylie Spiro, Communications Coordinator, BAMSI

In 1999, June officially became Pride Month in the United States. It has since grown into a massive celebration within the LGBTQ+ community. But October marks a perhaps lesser-known month-long celebration, LGBTQ+ History Month.

LGBTQ+ History Month was first celebrated in the United States in 1994, the month of October was selected to coincide with National Coming Out Day, which occurs annually on October 11^th. The idea was originated by Rodney Wilson, the first openly gay public school teacher in Missouri.

As the only community worldwide not taught at home, in public schools, or in religious institutions, Wilson founded LGBTQ+ History Month to provide role models, build a community, and send a message to our nation’s teachers and school boards that LGBTQ+ history is important to recognize in American history.

The month-long celebration is now endorsed by organizations such as GLAAD, the Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, and the National Education Association.

And while there may not be a big rainbow parade in your town for LGBTQ+ History Month, there are still many ways you can join in the celebration!

• Learn more about LGBTQ+ History Month:
  • Read about 31 LGBTQ Icons 
  • Take the LGBT Icons Quiz 
  • Read Stonewall by Martin Duberman, available in BAMSI’s DEIJA Lending Library. 
• Watch a documentary on real LGBTQ+ people and historical events:
  • Disclosure (Netflix)
  • A Secret Love (Netflix)
  • Paris Is Burning (Prime Video)
    • The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson (Netflix)
    • Transhood (Max)
    • PRIDE To Be Seen (Disney+)
    • PRIDE (Hulu)
  • Share what you learn with others!
    • Today, kids still are not learning enough about LGBTQ+ history in schools. In fact, in Florida and Kentucky, it’s actually illegal to have any discussion about LGBTQ+ issues in public schools. So, it is important that you share what you learn about LGBTQ+ history with your family, friends, and children to educate them and help spread accurate information.
  • Every year, the Equality Forum – the organization that oversees LGBTQ+ History Month – selects 31 lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender icons to highlight with a video, bio, bibliography, downloadable images, and other resources. You can check out their 2023 list here.
  • LGBTQ+ education is still just as important as it was 29 years ago when this history month was founded. Empowerment and education are at the core of BAMSI’s work. We strive to empower LGBTQIA+ individuals by offering support, resources, and guidance. BAMSI’s goal is to help individuals embrace their identities and improve their quality of life. To learn more about BAMSI’s comprehensive network of programs and services and how you can become involved, visit www.bamsi.org.