Did you know that October is LGBTQ+ History Month? (part 1 of 3)

When you think about the LGBTQ+ community, the first month that comes to mind is probably June – Pride Month. But October also marks a time for important LGBTQ+ celebrations.

The History of LGBTQ+ History Month

Back in 1994, Rodney Wilson, the first openly gay history teacher at a Missouri public high school, realized that students weren’t learning about the history of LGBTQ+ people or the LGBTQ+ rights movement. When notable LGBTQ+ people were mentioned, their identities were often ignored. The result: few people understand how deeply woven into history LGBTQ+ individuals have been and the significant marks they have left. To help change that, Wilson initiated what was then known as Lesbian and Gay History Month and served as the founder of the first coordinating committee. The following year, it was officially added to the list of commemorative months in a resolution by the General Assembly of the National Education Association. 

LGBTQ+ History Month has garnered increasing attention in the United States over the years, and in 2012, it was officially celebrated in two American school districts: Broward County, Florida, and Los Angeles, California. And, in Canada and Australia, it is also celebrated in October, whereas in Hungary and the UK, it’s recognized in February, and in Berlin, it is recognized in May. Anywhere LGBTQ+ History Month is celebrated, the purpose is to promote learning and foster honesty and openness about being LGBTQ+.

Most people associate the Stonewall Riots with June, but Wilson intentionally chose October for LGBTQ+ History Month because several other significant historical events occurred during that month.

• The first and second Marches on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights took place in October 1979 and 1987. These marches aimed to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation in the military, federal jobs, and family protection laws. While these goals have only recently been achieved, the marches successfully established an extensive network of members across the country, unifying the community around common priorities and forcing the country to recognize the significant presence of LGBTQ+ people and their allies in the US. 

• National Coming Out Day is celebrated on October 11 – the same day as the second March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. National Coming Out Day was originally started by Rob Eichberg and John O’Leary. They believed that it was crucial for members of the LGBTQ+ community to ‘come out’ because not only did it reveal the number of people who identify as LGBTQ+, but it also showed that most people already knew someone in the LGBTQ+ community. And people who know someone who is LGBTQ+ are far more likely to support equality for people in the community.  

Supporting the LGBTQ+ community requires more than adding rainbows to products or posting during Pride Month. Genuine connection comes from understanding the community’s struggles, honoring its achievements, and recognizing the resilience behind its progress. Brands that take time to learn and share LGBTQ+ history not only deepen their cultural awareness but also demonstrate authenticity in their outreach.

For too long, the LGBTQ+ community has been met with surface-level tolerance—an acknowledgment without genuine engagement. It’s time to move beyond acceptance and celebrate. By championing LGBTQ+ voices and encouraging your teams to learn about the community’s rich and hard-won contributions, you foster meaningful connections and help shift the narrative toward inclusion and respect.

This approach uplifts a community while strengthening your brand. When you move from passive recognition to active celebration, your marketing resonates more deeply, cultivates trust, and builds lasting loyalty among LGBTQ+ consumers.

Make sure to check out Part 2 and Part 3 of our Did you know that October is LGBTQ+ History Month? blog series!

“Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it’s a good place to start.” – Jason Collins

To hear first-hand about how the LGBTQ+ community feels about their rights and how they are under attack, watch the video below from our Consumer Connection Series. If you want to learn more about what’s in the hearts and minds of the dynamic LGBTQ+ Community, check out our 3-Part Consumer Connections Series, Amplifying the Voice of the LGBTQ+ Community.  

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