National Day
(Monthly) Lgbtq History Month
Celebrated on 10/01/2026
Quick Fact
LGBTQ History Month was founded in 1994 by Missouri high school teacher Rodney Wilson, making it one of the first dedicated months to celebrate LGBTQ history. October was chosen to coincide with National Coming Out Day on October 11 and to commemorate the first March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in 1979.
Origins and Establishment of (Monthly) Lgbtq History Month
LGBTQ History Month was founded in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, a high school history teacher in Missouri. Wilson, who was one of the first openly gay teachers in the state, recognized the lack of LGBTQ representation in educational curricula and sought to create a month dedicated to celebrating LGBTQ history and achievements. He chose October for the observance to align with National Coming Out Day (October 11) and the anniversary of the first March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights (1979). Wilson worked with other educators and activists, including Kevin Jennings of the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), to establish the month. The first LGBTQ History Month was marked by events and educational activities across the United States.
Evolution and Modern Commemoration
Since its inception, LGBTQ History Month has grown significantly in scope and recognition. In 2006, the Equality Forum, a national LGBTQ civil rights organization, took over coordination and expanded the celebration to include a daily focus on influential LGBTQ figures. The month is now observed in schools, workplaces, and communities through educational events, film screenings, panel discussions, and cultural celebrations. In 2012, the U.S. Department of Education officially recognized LGBTQ History Month, encouraging schools to include LGBTQ history in their curricula. Today, it is celebrated not only in the United States but also in countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, each with their own variations. The month serves as a vital platform for promoting visibility, fostering understanding, and combating discrimination.
Facts & General Observations
- Over 100 LGBTQ icons are highlighted annually by the Equality Forum during October, with a new icon featured each day.
- According to a 2020 GLAAD study, only 20% of LGBTQ students report learning about LGBTQ history in school, underscoring the ongoing need for inclusive education.
- The first LGBTQ History Month was celebrated in 1994, and it was officially recognized by the U.S. government in 2012, when the Department of Education issued guidelines supporting inclusive curricula.