A Journey Through LGBTQIA+ History and Celebrations
October is LGBT History Month. While we might be past that, we’re certainly in the time of year when the focus is on holidays and celebrations.
We mustn’t forget to think about the history of the LGBTQIA+ community, especially this time of year, as we gather with friends and family who might not fully understand.
With that in mind, let’s take a quick journey through LGBTQIA+ history and celebrations. It’ll give you some talking points to share this season and beyond, and you’ll be ready to join in on the celebrations when next October rolls around!
LGBTQIA+ History Month
Whether you’re in the LGBTQIA+ community or want to be a better ally, it’s important to understand why there’s a LGBT History Month, and how it started. This celebration didn’t start until 1994.
Like many other LGBTQIA+ moments celebrated throughout history, this particular month began thanks to trailblazer and activist Rodney Wilson. Wilson believed that moments of LGBTQIA+ history deserved to be celebrated. Not only do people celebrate, however, they use it as an opportunity to educate themselves on other trailblazers within the community.
The Stonewall Riots
Almost everyone has at least heard of the Stonewall Riots, even if you aren’t sure exactly what happened.
In June of 1969, a group of LGBTQIA+ activists experienced violent confrontation by New York police at the Stonewall Inn. While this moment in history was very dark, it ignited the modern LGBTQIA+ rights movement and also lit a fire under the civil rights movement of the time. The riots also would eventually lead to the inspiration behind the world’s first gay community center.
Gay Pride Week
Just one year after the Stonewall Riots, the first Gay Pride Week was celebrated in New York. Not only could those in the community and allies celebrate, but businesses and organizations in the area could participate throughout the week by hosting special events.
In 1972, San Francisco followed suit, hosting their first Pride parade, with over 2,000 people marching and 15,000 in attendance.
Obviously, Pride has become a much larger force over the years. Now, people celebrate Pride for a full month each June. Across the country, the Pride flag waves. Those in the community celebrate, and although it was a tragic event at the time, we likely have Stonewall to thank for that. It was in 1978 that the Pride flag as we know it made its debut, with each color representing a different meaning, including sexuality, life, and healing.
Pride and Politics
Even in the 21st century, we have a long way to go when it comes to LGBTQIA+ representation in politics. But, we’ve seen some small changes and steps forward, and none of it would be possible without Harvey Milk.
In 1978, Milk was elected as the first openly gay city official in California. He was met with a lot of pushback at the time. But, it was a historic moment for the gay community and opened multiple doors for queer politicians of the future.
The Misdiagnosis of Homosexuality
Before 1990, homosexuality was considered a disease. It wasn’t until this year that the CDC removed it from that classification. Just three years prior, it was also removed from being considered a mental health disorder.
However, it wasn’t until 1998 that an executive order from President Clinton prohibited discrimination in the workplace based on sexual orientation.
Gay Marriage
It’s hard to believe that the United States didn’t legalize gay marriage until 2015. Now, as we’re approaching the 10-year anniversary of that Supreme Court ruling, it’s clear we have a lot of history to look back on.
More importantly, however, we have a lot to look forward to. As you walk through this journey of LGBTQIA+ history and celebrations, it’s important to reflect on how much the community has accomplished, but how much work we still have to do. As always, don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re looking for someone to talk to or you’re struggling with discrimination.
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