The Meaning of LGBTQIA+ History Month
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Oct. 18, 2023) — When you think of October, what do you think about? October features the shift into autumn, pumpkin spiced food and drinks, cool, crisp air, and Halloween of course. Did you know that October is also LGBTQIA+ History Month?
You’re probably thinking, “isn’t that in June?” Well, you’d be half right. June is known as Pride Month. There are parades and celebrations that align with the Stonewall Riots, a five day protest against the constant police raids in gay bars that started on June 28, 1969.
LGBTQIA+ History Month, however, aligns with the first and second marches on Washington for LGBTQIA+ rights. The first march was in 1979 and the second was in 1987, both in the month of October.
National Coming Out Day
LGBTQIA+ History Month is also in October because of National Coming Out Day, held on Oct.11. National Coming Out Day is a day to celebrate people “coming out of the closet,” a popular saying meaning someone coming out as LGBTQIA+. While you don’t need to come out specifically on National Coming Out Day, a lot of people use it as a good starting point. As always, never feel pressured to come out on National Coming Out Day, especially if it is unsafe for you to do so.
But LGBTQIA+ History Month is even more than that. It’s a feeling. It’s a community. It’s acceptance and pride. It’s finding out that you are not alone and there are others like you past, present, and future. It’s finding the words you never knew existed that fit you just perfectly. It’s gay joy. It’s gay beauty. It’s simply having the courage to be you.
I invite you to think of an LGBTQIA+ individual in your life, or yourself, who may be having a rough time right now. Be the person they may have needed, or still need. Most of all, let them know that they are loved, seen and accepted for who they are and who they may become.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Julien Frost at julien@rainbowcc.org.
Julien Frost
Julien Frost is the Office Coordinator for Rainbow Community Center.