October: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender History Month
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) History Month is intended to encourage honesty and openness about being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.
The GLBT community is the only community worldwide that does not learn its history at home, in the public schools or in religious institutions. In the 1990's, teachers and community organizations determined that a month should be designated for GLBT history. They chose October because public schools are in session and traditions, such as National Coming Out Day (October 11), occur then. October was also chosen to commemorate the first two gay and lesbian marches on Washington in October 1979 and October 1987. In addition, GLBT History Month also provides an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people to world history.
GLBT History Month is 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 GLBT History Month.
Significant Dates in GLBT History
1965: Gay and lesbians picket outside federal offices in Washington, protesting the government's employment discrimination against gays. This was the first public protest by gay people in Washington.
1969: Several days of violence, known as the "Stonewall Riots" occurs as a result of a police raid and harassment of patrons of the Stonewall Inn, a New York gay bar. Many cities begin Gay Pride Marches commemorating this uprising against oppression.
1971: The first gay march on the Canadian Parliament takes place in Ottawa.
1974: Elaine Noble wins a seat in the Massachusetts State House of Representatives, becoming one of the first openly lesbian elected to state office.
1979: First "March on Washington for Gay and Lesbian Rights" draws approximately 100,000 marchers.
1982: 1,300 athletes from 22 countries participate in the first international Gay Games held in San Francisco. Wisconsin becomes the first state to pass legislation banning discrimination against gays in employment, housing and other areas.
1983: Representative Gerry Studds of Massachusetts becomes one of America's first openly gay Congresspersons.
1984: Berkeley, California, becomes the first U.S. city to extend spousal benefits to live-in partners of gay and lesbian city employees.
1987: Between 250,000 and 500,000 participants attend the second "March on Washington," the largest gay rights demonstration ever held in the U.S.
1989: Denmark becomes the first nation to legalize gay marriage. Norway becomes the second in 1993.
1990: President George Bush signs the National Hate Crimes Act, requiring that data be collected on crimes motivated by prejudice against people of differing sexual orientations. The third Gay Games is held in Vancouver, drawing over 5,500 athletes.
1993: The third "March on Washington" attracts one million to Washington. President Bill Clinton's administration appoints prominent gay rights activist Roberta Achtenberg as Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity in the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This is the highest federal appointment for an openly gay person.
1995: President Bill Clinton ends the ban on security clearances for gay people.
1997: President Bill Clinton addresses the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the first U.S. president to speak to a gay organization.
2000: Human Rights Campaign Executive Director Elizabeth Birch addresses the Democratic National Convention. She is the first leader of a gay and lesbian organization to speak at a national political convention. Vermont passes a law that recognizes legalized civil unions.
