October 3, 2007

October is GLBT History Month

Because just one day – National Coming Out Day on October 11 – isn't enough, the entire month of October is dedicated to the many fine individuals in this world who happen to be LGBT. Since a group of teachers and community leaders hatched the idea of a nationally recognized month to celebrate LGBT folks in the early 1990's, the month-long celebration has been endorsed by such groups as the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF), and Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) to name a few.

The theme is "31 Days. 31 Icons." 31 LGBT icons were selected with the help of state and national leaders. These icons are people, living or dead, who have distinguished themselves within their fields, as national heroes, or in the LGBT civil rights movement. Each day, one icon is featured on the GLBT History Month website with a biography, short video, and other multimedia information.

This is a great opportunity for education and celebration, so don't miss out. Check the website for more information and profiles of the 31 selected icons. Tell your friends and family, use it as an opportunity to teach someone a little tidbit of LGBT history or to introduce them to an LGBT icon!

Jerry Vagts
Grassroots Organizing Coordinator
grassroots@lcna.org