National LGBTQ+ History Month is an annual month-long observance of the LGBTQ+ community and related civil rights movements beginning October 1. The purpose of the commemorative month is to honor and celebrate the historical impact of LGBTQ+ individuals locally, nationally, and internationally.
The observance was first created in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, a history teacher at Mehlville High School in suburban St. Louis. The following year, LGBTQ+ History Month was added to the list of commemorative months in a resolution passed by the General Assembly of the National Education Association. As a result, October was chosen as the month of observance to coincide with National Coming Out Day on October 11 and commemorate the first and second marches on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in October 1979 and 1987.
Learn & Grow
LGBTQ+ History Month is not just about celebration but also education. Indiana University proudly recognizes LGBTQ+ History Month with a number of enriching activities, events, and programming. These efforts, with many offered through the LGBTQ+ Culture Center, are designed to empower our campus community to be good advocates and supporters and provide open spaces for discussion and learning.
- The IU Bloomington LGBTQ+ Culture Center is pleased to open LGBTQ+ History Month with a panel of IU faculty members on hand to talk about their Queer Research on Monday, October 3, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the IMU – State Room East.
- At IU Kokomo, on Oct. 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., a “Lunch Learn” for National Coming Out Day will be held with students and alumni discussing their coming-out experiences.
- The IUPUI campus will host its signature event, the Harvey Milk Dinner, on Oct. 28, 2022, at 7 p.m. at the Madam Walker Legacy Center (617 Indiana Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46202).
In addition to taking part in various events to celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month, there are several other ways people can learn, build support for, and connect to the LGBTQ+ community. Examples include:
- Host an LGBTQ+ History Month Quiz. This fun activity teaches about important events in LGBTQ+ history.
- Compile a pride playlist with songs and artists celebrating freedom and acceptance.
- Donate to an LGBTQ+ charity. From bake sales to sponsored activities, consider raising funds for LGBTQ+ charities such as GLADD or a campus LGBTQ+ Culture Center.
- Visit the LGBTQ+ Culture Center. Take time to learn about your campus culture center, build new connections, and contribute to creating a stronger IU community that embraces everyone.
Please visit the IU events calendar for a complete list of events scheduled during LGBTQ+ History Month.