October is National LGBTQ+ History Month, a time to celebrate the significant contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals to gay rights, related civil rights movements, and American history. First observed in 1994, October is selected 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.
On Indiana University campuses, LGBTQ+ History Month is celebrated with multiple special educational events and programs that aim not only to recognize LGBTQ+ people and their many contributions to society but also to spark conversations and dialogue about how people can unite collectively to build stronger and more just communities for everyone.
“As an institution of higher learning, we believe every student should experience a welcoming and inclusive campus environment at Indiana University. That is why we are proud to recognize and honor LGBTQ+ History Month,” says Rashad Nelms, interim vice president for the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion interim vice provost for diversity and inclusion. “In doing so, all of us—students, faculty, administrators, community members and others—have an opportunity to contribute to a more inclusive and just world.
Indiana University has a long and proud history of supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer students, faculty, staff and alumni with programs, practices and policies on each of its campuses. This commitment has been instrumental in Indiana University Bloomington consistently being named year after year as one of the top higher education institutions for LGBTQ+ students by Campus Pride, the leading national organization dedicated to building future LGBTQ and ally leaders and creating safer communities at colleges and universities.
Campus communities can access digital tools, including Zoom backgrounds, social profile images, and Snapchat filters, to further support LGBTQ+ History Month.
Visit Heritage and Identity Recognition to learn more about LGBTQ+ History Month and events.iu.edu for a complete listing of activities on each of IU’s campuses.