Core Clarity Co (LLC)

October marks LGBTQ+ History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the struggles, celebrating the victories, and recognizing the countless contributions of the community throughout history. This annual observance serves as a reminder of the importance of visibility, advocacy, and education in the ongoing fight for equality and acceptance.

The Origins of LGBTQ+ History Month

LGBTQ+ History Month was first founded in 1994 by Missouri high school teacher Rodney Wilson. He wanted to create a space that acknowledged the history of LGBTQ+ individuals and their impact on the world. He chose October for two significant reasons: National Coming Out Day is celebrated on October 11th, and many schools are in session, providing an excellent opportunity for educational initiatives.

Since its inception, LGBTQ+ History Month has grown into an international celebration that educates the public about the rich and complex history of LGBTQ+ people, their culture, and their contributions. It also highlights the ongoing challenges the community faces and the work that still needs to be done.

The Importance of LGBTQ+ History Month

The month serves as a vital reminder that LGBTQ+ people have always been a part of society, contributing to art, politics, science, and culture, often while enduring discrimination and invisibility. Historically, LGBTQ+ figures were often excluded from mainstream narratives, and their achievements were erased or ignored. This month helps to correct this erasure by shining a light on the pioneers and trailblazers who paved the way for future generations.

By honoring figures like Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, Harvey Milk, Audre Lorde, and James Baldwin, we celebrate the resilience, courage, and creativity of those who fought for equal rights and social justice. LGBTQ+ History Month also introduces lesser-known figures, like Dr. Frank Kameny, one of the earliest LGBTQ+ rights activists, or Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, a couple who played a crucial role in the founding of the first lesbian organization in the U.S.

Resilience Comes at a Cost

While the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community is often celebrated—and rightfully so—it’s essential to acknowledge that resilience can be exhausting. For many, living in a world where acceptance is not guaranteed means constantly navigating fear, discrimination, and microaggressions. The need to “stay strong” in the face of adversity is admirable, but it can also be draining, both emotionally and physically.

There is often an expectation for LGBTQ+ individuals to be resilient, to persevere despite the odds, but this constant fight takes a toll. Being resilient is sometimes necessary for survival, yet it can come at the cost of mental health and well-being. This month gives us the space to reflect on this exhaustion, honoring not only the courage it takes to keep going but also the importance of rest and care within the community.

Resilience should not be seen as a burden that members of the LGBTQ+ community must carry alone. It is a collective responsibility to create supportive, affirming environments where people do not have to constantly push through hardship just to be themselves.

Creating Space for Intersectionality

It’s also important to recognize the intersectionality within LGBTQ+ history. The fight for LGBTQ+ rights intersects with other movements, including civil rights, women’s rights, and disability rights. Many LGBTQ+ figures—especially people of color—have been instrumental in driving social change across multiple areas of activism. For example, Bayard Rustin, a key figure in the civil rights movement, was openly gay and advocated for LGBTQ+ rights alongside his work with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

LGBTQ+ History Month provides a platform to highlight how race, gender, class, and sexuality intersect and how these intersections shape the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Looking Forward: The Work Continues

While LGBTQ+ History Month is a time for reflection and celebration, it is also a call to action. The progress made over the years—such as the legalization of same-sex marriage in many countries, the increasing representation of LGBTQ+ people in media, and the growing recognition of transgender rights—is significant. However, there are still many battles to be fought.

In many parts of the world, LGBTQ+ people continue to face discrimination, violence, and legal challenges. Transgender individuals, particularly Black and Brown trans women, are disproportionately affected by violence and poverty. LGBTQ+ youth often experience bullying, rejection, and mental health struggles at higher rates than their non-LGBTQ+ peers.

By educating ourselves and others about LGBTQ+ history, we can better understand the roots of these challenges and the importance of solidarity in addressing them. This month serves as a reminder that the fight for equality is far from over, but it also inspires hope and resilience by showing us how far we’ve come.

Ways to Honor LGBTQ+ History Month

There are many ways to get involved and honor LGBTQ+ History Month:

• Educate Yourself and Others: Read books, watch documentaries, and engage in conversations about LGBTQ+ history. Share what you learn with your community.
• Support LGBTQ+ Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations that advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and provide resources for those in need.
• Attend Events: Many communities hold special events during LGBTQ+ History Month, such as film screenings, panel discussions, and educational workshops. Attending these events can be a great way to learn and connect with others.
• Advocate for Change: Use your voice to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in your local community, whether that means contacting your legislators, supporting LGBTQ+-inclusive policies, or standing up against discrimination.

Conclusion

LGBTQ+ History Month is more than just a celebration of the past; it’s a commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable future. By honoring the struggles and triumphs of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout history, we empower the next generation to continue the fight for equality. As we reflect on the progress that’s been made and the work that lies ahead, let’s remember that every step forward is a tribute to the courageous souls who came before us.

This October, take the time to learn, reflect, and celebrate. LGBTQ+ history is all of our history, and it’s a story worth telling year after year.