October – LGBTQ+ History Month

The month of October is LGBTQ+ History Month! LGBTQ+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and individuals who do not identify themselves as heteronormative and cisgender. Initially recognized in 1994 by several LGBTQ+ organizations, several governors, other elected officials, and municipal entities across the United States, LGBTQ+ History Month celebrates the many contributions and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community. Due to the passage of the FAIR Education Act (California Senate Bill 48) in 2011, California became the first state to require the inclusion of LGBTQ+ history in K-12 education. Recent LGBTQ+ legal milestones include: obtaining federal legal protections in the workplace (Bostock v. Clayton County – 2020), securing marriage equality (Obergefell v. Hodges – 2015), and enacting state and local legislation that grant same-sex benefits, protections, and equality for the LGBTQ+ community.

Contributions of the LGBTQ+ community are numerous and can be seen in the everyday lives of Americans with respect to the sciences, education, the arts, fashion, civic engagement, civil rights, and more. Such advancements have and will continue to be woven into the fabric of our nation.

LGBTQ+ achievements and contributions give many reasons why more states are implementing mandatory educational courses that include LGBTQ+ history. As there is so much to celebrate, it is no wonder why the whole month of October is LGBTQ+ History Month!

Written by Bobby Rimas