Ask Megan: What is LGBTQ History Month?
October, famously known for being the spookiest month of the year, also represents LGBTQ History Month. But Megan, you may ask, how is this any different than Pride Month, which is recognized every year in the month of June? Fortunately for you, dear reader, I have researched the answer to this question. While Pride Month is dedicated to the equality movement and recognizing and highlighting visibility of the LGBTQ community, LGBTQ History Month was created to observe the history of the movement in relation to the contributions of notable figures in the fight for LGTBQ civil rights. In my opinion, Pride Month is a celebration of where the community is now, and continuing to push forward for equality and visibility, and LGTBQ History Month is about acknowledging queer history and the contributions and sacrifices of those pioneers that have made the movement what it is today.
October was also chosen as LGBTQ History Month to coincide with National Coming Out Day, which is celebrated every year on October 11th. In 1987, 500,000 people participated in the March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, which was prompted by the AIDS crisis and Supreme Court ruling in Bowers v. Hardwick. A year later, National Coming Out Day (“NCOD”) was created to commemorate and continue the momentum of the march, and to maintain positivity and celebrate coming out. The theory behind NCOD is that homophobia thrives with silence, and people are more likely to support equality under the law when they know someone who is a member of the LGBTQ community.
In 1993, Robert Eichberg, one of the creators of NCOD who unfortunately died in 1985 of complications from AIDS, said “Most people think they don’t know anyone gay or lesbian, and in fact, everybody does. It is imperative that we come out and let people know who we are and disabuse them of their fears and stereotypes.” Coming out is a very personal choice, one that still holds consequences for some people to this day. However, NCOD is still an opportunity for all people to celebrate diversity, shine light on an important movement, and allow people to live their most authentic lives.
How to Celebrate LGBTQ History Month
- There are websites dedicated to honoring queer icons, such as Equality Forum. Search their database of almost 500 LGBTQ people who have made history.
- Help spread awareness and share stories on your social media pages that celebrate LGBTQ role models.
- Donate to a worthy LGBTQ cause.
- Don the colors! The rainbow flag is most popularly associated with the LGBTQ community, but did you know that each color of the rainbow’s flag has a different meaning? Red is for life, orange is for healing, yellow is the sun, green symbolizes nature, blue is for peace, and purple is for spirit. Wear your colors of choice or get creative in other ways to express your support.
