By Visible - October 2, 2023
October 1 marks the start of LGBTQ+ History Month – an annual celebration of notable Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) trailblazers around the world and moments throughout history. But did you know this month-long commemoration was founded nearly 30 years ago?
Missouri high school teacher, Rodney Wilson, alongside local leaders and fellow teachers, saw a need to shine more light on LGBTQ+ history and the community’s iconic achievements. With additional moments like National Coming Out Day dotted throughout October, the group extended the celebrations and officially stamped October 1994 as the first LGBTQ+ History Month.
This year, Visible Wireless is excited to commemorate the month by uplifting its Visible Impacts partner, PFLAG National, the nation's largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them.
Through our partnership, Visible supports PFLAG National Connects: Communities, a virtual program that provides a safe and moderated space where people with shared experiences can connect each month. Visible Wireless has supported and partnered with a number of LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations since our founding, including PFLAG National, Trans Lifeline, and SAGE, and promoted various campaigns including — #ProudlyVisible, #WeAreVisible and our most recent, No Straight Answers. We remain a proud annual supporter of PFLAG National, who works every day to ensure the LGBTQ+ community feels safe, celebrated, empowered, and loved.
For inspiration on how you can best honor LGBTQ+ History Month, please check out this guide from PFLAG National, which includes engaging learning sessions, relevant podcasts, books and essays, and additional resources.