Did you know that October is LGBTQ+ History Month? (part 2 of 3)

Celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month

Happy LGBTQ+ History Month! While there might not be a big rainbow parade in your city for LGBTQ+ History Month like there is for Pride Month in June, there are still a lot of ways to celebrate! Here are some ideas to get you started: 

Learn about LGBTQ+ History

• Learn about LGBTQ+ leaders! Every year, the Equality Forum selects 31 LGBTQ+ icons from all over the world, throughout history, and highlights one a day throughout October. You can check out their list here. The HRC also honors people who helped pave the way for LGBTQ+ rights – you can learn more about QTBIPOC (Queer and Trans Black, Indigenous, People of Color) leaders, LGBTQ+ athletes, and LGBTQ+ creators on their website.
• Watch LGBTQ+ content! When you’re scrolling through your favorite streaming service, trying to decide what to watch, check out stories about real LGBTQ+ people and historical events. Some great documentaries include:
  • Will & Harper (Netflix),
  • Disclosure (Netflix),
  • A Secret Love (Netflix),
  • Paris Is Burning (HBO MAX),
  • The Celluloid Closet (YouTube),
  • The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson (Netflix),
  • Transhood (HBO MAX),
  • PRIDE | To Be Seen: A Soul of a Nation (Disney Plus), and
  • PRIDE (Hulu).
• If you prefer dramas, here are some based on true LGBTQ+ stories:
  • Milk (Amazon Prime Video),
  • The Imitation Game (YouTube),
  • Freeheld (Amazon Prime Video),
  • Bohemian Rhapsody (Hulu),
  • Rocketman (Amazon Prime Video),
  • The Danish Girl (Amazon Prime Video), and
  • Professor Marston and the Wonder Woman (Amazon Prime Video). 
• Share what you learn! Kids still don’t learn enough about LGBTQ+ history in schools. In some states, parents are required to be notified if there are any LGBTQ+-inclusive curricula and are allowed to opt their child out of learning about the subject. In others, it’s actually illegal to have any discussion about LGBTQ+ identities or sexualities in the school curriculum.  Please share what you learn with your kids, family, and friends to help spread accurate information and let them know it’s okay to talk to you about the LGBTQ+ community. Not sure where to start? LGBTQ+ authors wrote some of your favorite kid’s books (Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel, Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, Strega Nona by Tomie DePaola, and Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh, just to name a few) so reading those books and learning more about the authors’ lives can be a great introduction.
• Celebrate National Coming Out Day (October 11th)! – Coming out isn’t the only way to celebrate. Share your support for people who come out (either public figures or people in your personal life). Even today, coming out can be scary for some people as they may be risking the loss of relationships, family support, financial support, or their jobs. Supporting and celebrating our LGBTQ+ people will help any LGBTQ+ people in your personal life know that you’re a safe person to come out to.
• Celebrate International Pronouns Day (October 15th)! Consider sharing your gender pronouns. Many people, both in the LGBTQ+ community and allies, are sharing their pronouns through their email signatures and on social media profiles. Sharing your pronouns and being open to conversations about gender and identity helps normalize these discussions and creates a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. Learn more about best practices for sharing and using pronouns here. 
• Celebrate LGBTQ+ Spirit Day (October 16th)! On the third Thursday in October, wear purple in support of LGBTQ+ youth. You may also see brands changing their logos to purple and sharing information and resources to help spread awareness. LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to be bullied and harassed because of their identities. This day was started to show support for LGBTQ+ youth as a response to a series of bullying-related suicides of gay students like Tyler Clementi. Learn more about the bullying and harassment LGBTQ+ youth face every day and how you can show support here.

Supporting the LGBTQ+ community goes beyond rainbow logos in June. Authentic connection means listening, learning, and showing up consistently—not just during moments of celebration. When brands demonstrate genuine respect for the LGBTQ+ community’s struggles and achievements, they foster deeper trust and stronger relationships.

Support doesn’t have to be daunting. Even small actions matter: acknowledging key days of recognition, sharing your pronouns, highlighting LGBTQ+ history, or amplifying LGBTQ+ community voices. Over time, these steps signal that your support is steady and authentic, not performative.

What resonates most is consistency. The LGBTQ+ community remembers which brands stand by them through challenges and which retreat when support feels less convenient. By staying intentional and engaged, you not only uplift a community but also strengthen your brand, building loyalty on trust.

“Change is the end result of all true learning.” — Leo Buscaglia

Make sure to check out Part 1 and Part 3 of our Did you know that October is LGBTQ+ History Month? blog series!