Throughout history, activists, people with influence, and celebrities amongst many others have used their platforms for good. Letting the world know that it’s okay to be gay and that pride is certainly for everyone.
Whilst many members of this community still face prejudice and judgment for their sexual preferences and/or gender identity, it is clear that over the last century there has been some significant progress in the acceptance of LGBTQ+ people. From Elton John to Lil Nas X, artists have built global fanbases from all cultures and backgrounds. This is what makes their positive influence so valuable to the LGBTQ+ community.
The History behind LGBTQ+ History Month
Since 1994, October has been designated as LGBTQ+ History Month (originally named Lesbian and Gay History Month) with the celebration also including National Coming Out Day which falls on October 11 each year. Founded by Missouri high-school history teacher Rodney Wilson, the first openly gay public school teacher in Missouri, this observance aims to raise awareness of the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community.
Despite other countries celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month at different times of year, October was the perfect time of year for the US to celebrate, as in addition to National Coming Out Day, the first and second marches for Lesbian and Gay Rights in Washington in 1979 and 1987 were also during October.
Despite some criticism and backlash from concervative groups such as Concerned Women for America, the annual celebration in the US has grown year on year. A huge step for the movement was in 2012 when two American school districts, The Broward County school district in Florida, and the Los Angeles School district officially celebrated LGBTQ+ History Month for the first time.
LGBTQ+ History Month Around the Globe
While this month of celebration falls in October for the United States, Canada, and Australia. Landmark moments in LGBTQ+ history means that other months hold more significance in communities around the world.
United Kingdom and Hungary celebrate LGBTQ+ History month in February as this was the same month of the abolition of section 28, a law that prohibited the “promotion of homosexuality”.
Since 2011 the UK has included a link between this celebration to a subject in the National Curriculum in schools. The same year, a website launched under the initiative “Schools OUT UK” providing free lesson plans to teachers on the subject of LGBTQ+ History.
Other countries have their own take on the month-long celebrations. Berlin, for example, aim to educate people on the subject of sexual diversity and anti-discrimination by celebrating Queer History Month annually in February.
Top 9 Iconic LGBTQ+ Music Artists
In honor of LGBTQ+ History Month, we take a look at some musical artists throughout the last century who have identified as part of this community whilst also becoming cultural icons, letting their fans know through their music and actions that being prejudiced shouldn’t be tolerated.
