OCTOBER IS LGBT HISTORY MONTH

LGBTQ+ History Month, held in October, presents an important opportunity for individuals to honor milestones in LGBTQ+ rights and equality. The anniversaries of the first and second National Marches on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights occurred on Oct. 14, 1979, and Oct. 11, 1987, respectively. Attendees of both marches demanded that Congress pass anti-discrimination and civil rights legislation to protect LGBTQ+ individuals, while the latter demonstrators also sought federal action to address the HIV/AIDS crisis. LGBTQ+ History Month includes National Coming Out Day, which is held annually on Oct. 11. 

LGBTQ+ History Month originated in the United States as Lesbian and Gay History Month and was first celebrated in 1994. It was founded by Missouri high school teacher Rodney Wilson to teach young people about LGBTQ+ history.

In a message videotaped for the Stronger Together conference held in London in June 2022, Wilson made these remarks:

“We’ve come a long way from the 1980s and 1990s, but we have a long way yet to go as any glance at current events makes abundantly evident. We must remain vigilant, observant, and strengthened to prevent those who would marginalize us from getting their way. All over the world, where things are better and worse by location, we have work to do. Celebrating the differences and recognizing the many similarities is part of that work. Educating everyone to their fullest potential as a human right is part of that work. Uniting the human family in every way we can is part of that work.”

There are many ways to celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month. Here are just a few ideas:

• Share your story. LGBTQ+ history is made every day. Share your story of coming out or of standing up for LGBTQ+ rights on social media using the hashtag #LGBTQHistoryMonth.
• Educate yourself and others. Take some time to learn about LGBTQ+ history. Read a book, watch a movie, or visit a museum. Then, share what you’ve learned with others.
• Support a local LGBTQ+ organization. There are many organizations working to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people. Here are a few Illinois-based LGBTQ+ organizations to look into:
  • LGBT Chamber of Commerce of IL: https://www.lgbtcc.com/
  • Equality Illinois: https://www.equalityillinois.us/
  • Center on Halsted: https://www.centeronhalsted.org/
• Reach out to a friend or family member who is in the LGBTQ+ community. This month is a great time to start or continue a conversation with someone you know who is LGBTQ+. Show your support and let them know they are not alone.
• Support LGBTQ-owned businesses. Make a point to support LGBTQ-owned businesses during LGBTQ+ History Month: https://www.choosechicago.com/explore/chicago-style/lgbtq/
• Celebrate LGBTQ+ icons. Take some time to learn about and celebrate LGBTQ+ icons, past and present.
   

Submitted by MPI-CAC Member Tanya Mishigian, Director of Sales, U.S. Poker & Casino Parties