LGBT History Month celebrates the achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender icons each year in October.

In 1994, Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high school teacher, believed a month should be dedicated to the celebration and teaching of gay and lesbian history, and gathered other teachers and community leaders. They selected October because public schools are in session and existing traditions, such as Coming Out Day (October 11th), occur that month. Gay and Lesbian History Month was endorsed by GLAAD, the Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the National Education Association, and other national organizations. In 2006, Equality Forum assumed responsibility for providing content, promotion and resources for LGBT History Month.

There are several organizations, websites, and groups of people that come together to celebrate LGBT History Month.  Each day in October, a new LGBT Icon is featured with a video, bio, bibliography, downloadable images and other resources. Among the 31 people chosen for 2013 are Anderson Cooper, the journalist,  actor George Takei, best known for portraying Lieutenant Sulu on Star Trek, and Sally Ride, astronaut, physicist, and American hero. Some stories about these icons are heartbreaking, some funny, and all are an interesting and necessary part of history.

LGBT History Month is a reminder of how far LGBT rights have come, and at the same time it is a reminder of how far is left to go. Fighting for equality and tolerance does not happen in one day. It is an ongoing process of campaigning, gaining, and maintaining rights.

The Men’s Divorce Law Firm assists clients who are coming together to form a domestic partnership to protect the rights of life partners who are in a long term relationship but choose not to marry or cannot marry. Please contact our office to speak with a caring professional today regarding your rights and responsibilities.