Throughout October, the United States celebrates LGBTQ+ history month. You're wondering why October is LGBTQ+ history month, aren't you? Don't worry; we're here to answer your questions! October is designated as LGBTQ+ history month because several LGBTQ+ milestones, particularly two national marches to achieve our civil rights, occurred in October.

How and Why It Started

In 1994, Missouri high school history teacher, 29-year-old Rodney Wilson, was teaching his class about the Holocaust. Following Wilson's lesson, he explained to his class that had he lived in Europe; then, he likely would have been executed for being gay. This moment led Wilson to recognize the lack of LGBTQ+ history in the public school curriculum. With the support of other teachers and community members, the foundation for LGBTQ+ history month was formed. During LGBTQ+ history month, LGBTQ+ people will be celebrated and taught about their contributions and the movements they have undertaken to achieve their civil rights.

Why Celebrate LGBTQ History Month?

In celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month, you can generate traction and spark interest by focusing your efforts locally during the month. Learn about the LGBTQ+ history of your city, county, and state. Public schools aren't required to teach queer history, but a few do. Find out if your state is one of the few that incorporates Queer History Month into its curriculum and see if they need any help. 

Don't let LGBTQ+ history slip away; you can make a difference in the fight for equality by spreading the word. Start researching LGBTQ+ historical figures and share their stories and contributions on social media, urging friends and family to do the same. In light of this issue's current and pressing nature, make your voice heard by advocating for change today! 

The Difference Between LGBTQ History Month and Pride Month

LGBTQ+ history month differs from Pride month primarily in its overall message and purpose. LGBTQ+ history month highlights LGBTQ+ historical figures and their contributions to the world. In contrast, Pride month recognizes the past and ongoing struggles within the LGBTQ+ community while celebrating the diversity of experiences and their increased visibility.

LGBTQ+ Icons to Honor

• Harvey Milk made history as the first openly gay elected official in the United States, winning a seat on the Board of Supervisors in San Francisco, California, in 1977. Milk was, naturally, a fan of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus as he was passionate about organizing activities to build community and connection amongst gay men. Although he could not see the formation of SFGMC, we performed during his candlelight vigil in his honor. 

• Marsha P. Johnson played a crucial role and was an influential leader of the early gay rights movement in New York City throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Johnson was also among the transgender women of color who fought in the Stonewall Riots in 1969. 

• Sylvia Rivera a prominent figure during the 1960s and 1970s in New York's gay rights movement, Rivera stood with other transgender women of color during the Stonewall Riots in 1969. She also advocated for transgender youth and women, particularly those of color.

• Billie Jean King played a significant role in women's tennis history during the 1960s and 1970s. King aimed to reduce the disparity in prize money between male and female athletes. In addition, King was the first female athlete to disclose her sexuality as a lesbian publicly. After retiring, King has become a fierce advocate for lesbian and gay rights.  

Other Important Days of Observance

What is National Coming Out Day?

National Coming Out Day was established in 1988 by Rob Eichberg and Jean O'Leary to raise awareness of the LGBTQ+ community and their struggle for civil rights. In honor of the second major gay and lesbian march in Washington in 1987, National Coming Out Day is celebrated annually on October 11th. As well as celebrating LGBTQ+ identities with other community members, National Coming Out Day offers LGBTQ+ individuals the opportunity to come out of the closet alongside others in the community.

What is International Pronouns Day?

International Pronouns Day is celebrated every year on the third Wednesday of October. During International Pronouns Day, we affirm the use of personal pronouns and emphasize the dignity of addressing others by their pronouns. Moreover, it promotes the normalization of sharing pronouns with others and the awareness of the importance of pronouns. 

This holiday has a special significance for transgender and gender non-conforming people, many of whom change their pronouns when transitioning. Gender non-conforming people, for example, may feel that he/him and she/her pronouns do not honor their identity. Therefore, they may prefer a gender-neutral pronoun such as they/them instead. If you do not know a person's pronouns, it is always better to ask than assume what their pronouns may be. 

What is LGBTQ+ Spirit Day?

The annual observance of LGBTQ+ Spirit Day takes place on the third Thursday of October. Spirit Day aims to spread awareness about the bullying and harassment facing LGBTQ+ youth and the high suicide rates among teens. 

Spirit Day was founded in September 2010 by Brittany McMillian. McMillian stumbled across a website discussing the suicides of gay teenagers directly tied to being bullied. It was through her support and solidarity with people facing similar struggles that she felt persuaded to do something about anti-bullying. 

SFGMC’s Contribution to LGBTQ History

In 1978, the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus was an immediate success, with more than 100 men attending its first rehearsal. It was the only gay men's chorus in the world at the time, let alone the only one whose name was so openly and proudly gay. We went on our first national tour in 1981 as HIV began to spread. Throughout our travels around the country, more and more cities were interested in forming gay choruses; the movement even spread internationally. On that tour, we saw first-hand the difference we could make in people's lives. As a result, we became inspired to become a national activist organization that uses music to connect LGBTQ+ people with their communities and society.
Today, our community activism roots still ring true. For example, we work with local schools to teach love, inclusion, acceptance, and strength. In addition, our Performing Arts Center, The Chan National Queer Arts Center, has enabled us to expand our leadership role in the community even more. With the community's help, we can all come together and inspire the change in society we know we need. Not just now but also in the future.

As we honor LGBTQ+ history month, Pride, National Coming Out Day, International Pronouns Day, and LGBTQ+ Spirit Day, we pay homage to all of those who came before us and stand proudly with those walking with us now. Looking closely at LGBTQ+ history, you can see how much has changed in the past few decades and how much will continue to change. 

Like any other community, we have made significant contributions to the fabric of this nation; for that reason, we celebrate and feel proud of who we are. Our greatest gift today is that every LGBTQ+ person finds their place within the community; we are stronger.

Donate to SFGMC today and help us make, advance, and support LGBTQ+ people, our communities, and historical progress for decades to come.

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