Month: October 2019

I knew October was approaching and wanted to find all the ways that we could celebrate LGBTQ History Month and did as so many of us do, I turned to Google. The internet is an amazing thing, isn’t it? Anyway, I found resources and ideas to help carry the celebration through each of our communities.

Rodney Wilson was a 29 year old Missouri teacher, and in fact, the first openly gay teacher in Missouri in 1994 when he came up with the idea for a month dedicated to LGBTQ history. October made sense to him, October 11th was already “Coming Out Day.” Now here we are 25 years later and I am sure if we were to ask Rodney he would say this month has grown beyond his original ideas, but also not big enough yet. But that is something we can all help with!

How are you celebrating this month?

LGBTQ History Month recognizes the contributions and achievements that members of the LGBTQ have made throughout history and how their efforts have affected the rest of the community and beyond. Here at Free Mom Hugs, we want to take part in celebrating this month. We will share articles that support the history of this month, introduce icons that have made and impact and will include our own personal stories and yours if you want to contribute.

Want to share your story? Email us at [email protected]

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 11), 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.

It is our responsibility to continue Rodney Wilson’s work and reach out to our communities and celebrate this month. There are a ton of fabulous resources to help you celebrate or include LGBTQ history in your own family or community.

We are happy to be celebrating with you this October!