Come out to Rollins College Wellness Center for free HIV and Hep C testing on Feb. 13th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM!
Itโs that time of year again. The weather is turning cooler (hopefully!), the days are getting shorter, and spooky season is upon us. Itโs time to celebrate all things ghosts, goblins โฆand gays! Thatโs right, all month long, we honor and observe the history of the gay civil rights movement during LGBTQ History Month. Hereโs what you need to know to hop on the celebration train.
We all know that June is Pride Month when we acknowledge the 1969 Stonewall rebellion and all that has been accomplished to achieve equal justice and opportunity for LGBTQ Americans.ย
Although weโve been celebrating Pride Month for over 50 years, itโs only been in the last couple of decades that it was made an official, federally-recognized observance.ย
LGBTQ History Month, on the other hand, was started in 1994 and is meant to commemorate the history and achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.ย
October was chosen to coincide with National Coming Out Day (October 11) and the anniversary of the first march on Washington for gay and lesbian rights in 1979. Other dates that have been added since its origin include the anniversary of Matthew Shephardโs murder (October 12), Ally Week, and Spirit Day (October 20).ย
Celebrations for LGBTQ History Month can be similar to those for Pride Month. You can find a list of Floridaโs festivities here. Some highlights include:
Many other events are happening around Florida, so hop online to find one near you, or host your own! We are looking forward to another fun and fabulous LGBTQ History Month!