Why is it important to have a LGBTQ history month?
The history of LGBTQ community is not taught everywhere like world history or American History. I can personally say I was taught nothing about LGBTQ history in the class room throughout grade school. War was taught, the rise and fall of dynasties, black history, Manifest Destiny, Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address but not a minute was used to discuss Stonewall or Don't Ask, Don't Tell.
I think by naming a month to LGBTQ history month, it gives the community a chance to highlight our culture and where we have come from. Especially when there are so many individuals in the LGBTQ community that have helped this world such as Alan Turing. Alan Turing was a brilliant man and was an important figure during World War 2 as he deciphered the German code. He also helped developed the modern computer but died by a cyanide pill at the age of 42 years old. Another individual would be Harvey Milk who was the first openly gay political official voted into office and helped to stop a law that would not allow for gay people to become teachers in the state of California. There are so many other figures that have helped to pioneer the world for the LGBTQ community such as Ellen DeGeneres and Neil Patrick Harris for being public figures in the media.
In truth this month is important to highlight all of our accomplishments, our challenges, and what we still have to do. The visibility of having a LGBTQ history month will hopefully educate others and open the door to those who don't know themselves. So I would ask you to help promote LGBTQ History month and take the time to learn a little bit more about the community.
