LGBTQ+ History Month
LGBTQ+ History Month is observed every October in the United States as a dedicated time to honor the histories, achievements, and ongoing struggles of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities.
The month exists because LGBTQ+ stories have long been marginalized or omitted from mainstream historical narratives. It aims to expand public understanding of LGBTQ+ history. It highlights the activists, artists, thinkers, and everyday individuals whose contributions have shaped culture, civil rights, and social progress. The month encourages community organizations to integrate LGBTQ+ history into curricula and programming to help people engage with the complexity of queer experiences.
The observance was founded in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, a high school history teacher from Missouri who became the first openly gay K–12 teacher in the state. Wilson proposed a dedicated month for teaching LGBTQ+ history and began organizing support among educators, community leaders, and national organizations. His efforts quickly gained traction. In 1995, the National Education Association officially recognized LGBTQ+ History Month as a commemorative observance, giving it legitimacy across schools, universities, and educational institutions nationwide. In January 2022, Wilson met with representatives of LGBTQ+ History Month projects from several different countries to form the International Committee on LGBTQ+ History Months. Even after establishing LGBTQ+ History Month, the committee continues to meet to discuss LGBTQ+ advocacy and support for other projects that seek to establish LGBTQ+ History Months.
Although the observance began in the 1990s, its roots stretch back through decades of activism. The earliest known U.S. gay rights organization, the Society for Human Rights, was founded in Chicago in 1924 by Henry Gerber. The Mattachine Society, founded in 1950, was one of the first enduring gay rights organizations in the United States. It sought to challenge discrimination, educate the public, and support individuals facing persecution. In 1955, lesbian activists in San Francisco founded the Daughters of Bilitis, the first long running lesbian civil rights organization. Uprisings like Compton’s Cafeteria in 1966 and Stonewall in 1969 also marked significant milestones in LGBTQ+ history and form the foundation of LGBTQ+ History Month’s educational mission.
This month, we recognize the importance of LGBTQ+ history and work towards preserving and celebrating it. Additionally, LGBTQ+ History Month is an invitation to participate in building a more informed community. Individuals can engage with the observance by attending educational events, exhibits, and other opportunities to learn more about LGBTQ+ history. Volunteering with local LGBTQ+ organizations, supporting LGBTQ+ creators, participating in projects or performances, and sharing personal histories can also help strengthen collective understanding. These efforts will allow LGBTQ+ history to be remembered while actively creating a vibrant future for the community.
At the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX, we believe that when people feel a true sense of belonging, they are better able to reach their full potential and succeed. We are committed to uplifting each Jayhawk by fostering a culture where each person is seen, heard, and valued. Honoring a variety of identities, cultures, and observances allows us to help make the University of Kansas a safe and welcoming place for everyone.