October is LGBTQ+ History Month!

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 16:45:23 -0400
bisexual, culturalmonths, diversityandinclusion, gay, lesbian, lgbtq, lgbtqhistorymonth, queer, transgender, umbctogether

LGBTQ+ History Month originated in the United States, and was first celebrated in 1994. This month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer history celebrates role models, and the history of the LGBTQ+ rights and related civil rights movements. In the United States, it is celebrated in October to coincide with National Coming Out Day on October 11. However, countries recognize this month at different times of the year according to their specific significant events (e.g. United Kingdom recognizes this in February)

It was founded by Missouri high-school history teacher Rodney Wilson. Many gay and lesbian organizations supported the concept early on as did Governors William Weld of Massachusetts and Lowell Weicker of Connecticut, who recognized the inaugural month with official proclamations. In 1995, the National Education Association indicated support of LGBTQ+ History Month as well as other history months by resolution at its General Assembly.

So why do we have Pride Month in June and LGBTQ+ History Month in October?

Wilson chose October as the month for the celebration due to National Coming Out Day. It was established as a widely known event, on October 11, the date of the Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights that took place in 1987. June is recognized as Pride Month to commemorate the Stonewall Riots taking place on June 28-July 1.

Fall and Winter 2020 I3B LGBTQ+ Events

National Coming Out Day Celebration

Celebrating our LGBTQ+ Journeys

Thursday, October 8, 2020 | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | Online via Blackboard Collaborate

myUMBC Event Post: Link | BlackBoard Collaborate Session: Link

Where My People At? Identity-Based Engagement at UMBC

A virtual departmental open house for new students

Tuesday, January 19, 2021 | 3:00 - 4:15 p.m. | Online via Blackboard Collaborate

myUMBC Event Post: Link | BlackBoard Collaborate Session: Link

SafeZone LGBTQ+ Allyship Workshop: Lite Edition**

An Abbreviated LGBTQ+ 101 Workshop

Friday, January 22, 2021 | 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. | Online via Blackboard Collaborate

myUMBC Event Post: Link | BlackBoard Collaborate Session: Link

LGBTQ+-Centered Orgs

We encourage community members to follow these groups on myUMBC or Social Media!

Undergraduate Student Orgs

LGBTQ Student Union (LSU) | myUMBC | IG: @umbclgbtq

Queer People of Color at UMBC (QPOC)| myUMBC | IG: @qpoc_umbc

Faculty Staff Orgs

LGBTQ Faculty & Staff Association (LGBTQ FSA) | myUMBC

Alumni & Graduate Students

Currently no LGBTQ+ specific organizations are currently active for alumni or graduate students