Every October, we take time to honor LGBTQ+ History Month — a celebration of the trailblazers, movements, and everyday people who have shaped queer history. Founded in 1994 by Missouri high school teacher Rodney Wilson, the month is dedicated to recognizing the contributions of LGBTQ+ people, preserving our stories, and reminding us that queer history is world history.
Why It Matters
Too often, queer voices and contributions have been left out of mainstream history books. LGBTQ+ History Month is about more than remembering names — it’s about reclaiming our place in the world’s story, fighting erasure, and passing down legacies that inspire the next generation. It reminds us that progress didn’t just happen; it was fought for, step by step, by people who dared to live authentically when it wasn’t safe or easy.
When we celebrate LGBTQ+ history, we:
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Honor resilience — recognizing the courage of those who resisted oppression.
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Celebrate visibility — lifting up stories that inspire us to live boldly.
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Educate and empower — helping others understand that queer people have always existed and always contributed.
Prominent LGBTQ+ Figures in History
There are countless figures who have shaped queer history, but here are just a few to highlight this month:
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Marsha P. Johnson (1945–1992): A Black trans activist and one of the central figures in the Stonewall uprising, Marsha dedicated her life to fighting for queer and trans rights.
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Sylvia Rivera (1951–2002): A Latina trans activist, Rivera co-founded STAR (Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries) and was a fierce advocate for homeless queer and trans youth.
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Bayard Rustin (1912–1987): A civil rights leader and advisor to Martin Luther King Jr., Rustin was a key organizer of the 1963 March on Washington. He lived openly as a gay man despite the risks.
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Audre Lorde (1934–1992): A Black lesbian poet and activist whose writing centered intersectionality, feminism, and queer identity as a source of power.
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Harvey Milk (1930–1978): The first openly gay elected official in California, Milk’s leadership in San Francisco helped spark a new era of political visibility for the queer community.
Moving Forward
As we celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month, we recognize that the fight for equality is ongoing. Honoring the past means carrying its lessons into the present — and building a future where queer people can live with joy, safety, and authenticity.
At FLAVNT, we believe that queer history is not just something to be remembered — it’s something to live out every day. Through visibility, community, and unapologetic expression, we continue the legacy of those who came before us.
✨ This month, take a moment to learn a new story, share queer history with someone in your life, or honor the heroes who paved the way. Because our history matters — and so does our future.