When do we celebrate LGBTQIA History?
We celebrate LGBTQIA history each and every day in this community, but October the official month is designated for planned celebrations and events to celebrate LGBTQIA History Month.
The History of LGBTQIA History Month
Though the riots ended, the desire for change was ignited and multiple organizations were created as a result of this horrific event, including the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), the Human Rights Campaign, and many more. The following year, a march occurred to commemorate the Stonewall riots, marking the first gay pride parade with the official chant being “Say it loud, Gay is proud.” This improvement was an incredibly important step for LGBTQIA+ history.
Why should you know about LGBTQIA History?
Why do I share this? Because LGBTQIA history is our history! Members of the LGBTQIA community include our friends, family, children, coworkers, and the people you see in your daily lives. It is my personal belief that we are all part of this large beautiful global community, and through awareness and respect, we can create change— because EVERYONE deserves wellness and happiness.
While as a society we have made some big strides in recognizing, respecting, and protecting the LGBTQIA+ community at large, there are still some major disparities between the LGBTQIA+ community members and their heterosexual counterparts, especially within the healthcare industry.
- Only 57%-77% of LGBTQI+ people have health insurance.
- Only 57% of lesbian and bisexual women receive needed mammograms.
- 19% of LGBTQIA+ youth have been threatened or injured with a weapon at school.
Understanding these struggles, and the inherent LGBTQIA history that plays in these harsh realities can help us all to be a little more kind and thoughtful about how we interact with others. Many people who are part of marginalized groups have trouble reaching out for help. We are all humans, and we all deserve respect, kindness, health, and help to get through tough times.
Learning More About LGBTQIA History & Support
By reading this blog, you are already taking small steps towards becoming more aware and educated about LGBTQIA history and modern-day struggles. As mentioned above, there are multiple communities and programs that were started as a result of Stonewall. If you want to have a better understanding of LGBTQIA history, facts, and statistics, here are some of my favorite resources to explore:
- GLAAD: A multifaceted resource that tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and promote dialogue aimed to change cultural norms and promote LGBTQIA+ acceptance.
- Out of Yer Shell: A website that aims to provide education, support, and community to ultimately decrease the rates of suicide and homelessness for Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Youth.
- CenterLink: Helps to build community-based centers to serve the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community and is currently serving 250 areas. These centers provided education and aid in accessing services as well as helping to organize social change.
- Bisexual Resource Center: This resource center helps provide resources, support, and celebration by connecting and educating the bi+ community and the global community.
- The Trevor Project: Providing suicide and crisis intervention 24/7 to LGBTQIA+ under 25 through the phone line, texting, and chat options.
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