The question of who created LGBTQ Month does not have a single answer, as it involves two distinct but related concepts: Pride Month (June) and LGBTQ History Month (October). Neither was created by a single person; both were established through the efforts of educators, activists, and community organizers over time. Pride Month originated from the commemoration of the 1969 Stonewall Riots, while LGBTQ History Month was founded in 1994 by a Missouri high school teacher to promote the teaching of LGBTQ+ history. This article details the origins of both observances and the key figures behind them.
The Creation of Pride Month (June)
Pride Month, celebrated every June, was not created by an individual but evolved from a grassroots movement to commemorate a pivotal event in LGBTQ movement 1960s-70s history.
The Catalyst: The Stonewall Uprising
The foundation of Pride Month lies in the Stonewall Riots of June 1969. When police raided the Stonewall Inn in New York City, the LGBTQ+ community fought back in a series of spontaneous demonstrations. This event is widely considered the catalyst for the modern gay liberation movement.
From Protest to Parade: The First Pride Marches
To mark the first anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, activists organized the Christopher Street Liberation Day March on June 28, 1970. Simultaneous marches occurred in Los Angeles and Chicago. This coordinated effort, organized by groups like the Eastern Regional Conference of Homophile Organizations, was the direct precursor to today’s Pride Month. Key figures involved in these early organizing efforts included activists Brenda Howard, known as the “Mother of Pride,” who coordinated the 1970 march, and Craig Rodwell, who helped promote the idea of an annual demonstration.
The Creation of LGBTQ History Month (October)
Unlike Pride Month, LGBTQ History Month has a specific, documented founder. It was established to focus on education and the celebration of historical achievements.
The Founder: Rodney Wilson
In 1994, Rodney Wilson, a high school history teacher in Missouri, founded LGBTQ History Month. He believed that a dedicated month was essential for promoting the teaching of LGBTQ+ history, which was largely absent from school curricula. Wilson, who was the first openly gay teacher in Missouri, assembled a team of fellow teachers and community leaders to choose October as the observance month.
Why October Was Chosen
- National Coming Out Day is already established on October 11.
- The anniversary of the first March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights was in October 1979.
- It provided a dedicated time for schools to incorporate LGBTQ+ history at the start of the academic year.
How to Verify the History and Celebrate Authentically
To understand and participate in these months authentically, follow these steps for research:
- Consult Reputable Historical Sources: Start with entries from the Library of Congress or the GLBT Historical Society for information on Pride Month’s origins.
- Review Foundational Documents: For LGBTQ History Month, look for interviews and articles by its founder, Rodney Wilson, in educational publications.
- Explore University Archives: Many universities, like the University of Missouri–St. Louis, where Wilson taught, may have resources on the history of the observance.
- Connect with Official Organizations: Groups like GLAAD and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) provide historical context and resources for both months.
- Verify Dates and Facts: Cross-reference key details, such as the date of the first Pride march (1970) and the founding year of History Month (1994), across multiple authoritative sources.
Official Recognition and Key Dates
The path to federal recognition was a gradual process, achieved through decades of advocacy.
| Month | Year Officially Recognized | Key Proclaimer |
|---|---|---|
| Pride Month (June) | 1999 | President Bill Clinton (first declared “Gay and Lesbian Pride Month”) |
| Pride Month (June) | 2009 | President Barack Obama (inclusive “LGBT Pride Month”) |
| LGBTQ History Month (October) | N/A (Educational) | Not federally proclaimed; recognized by schools, universities, and non-profits |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Did a U.S. President create LGBTQ Month?
A: No. Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama issued proclamations recognizing June as Pride Month, but they did not create it. The month was created by activists and later officially recognized.
Q: What is the difference between Pride Month and LGBTQ History Month?
A: Pride Month (June) is a global celebration of LGBTQ+ identity, culture, and the ongoing fight for equality, born from protest. LGBTQ History Month (October) is an educational observance focused specifically on learning and teaching LGBTQ+ history.
Q: Who created the term “Pride”?
A: The term was popularized by the organizers of the early marches, including Brenda Howard and Craig Rodwell, who embraced it as an antidote to the societal shame imposed on the LGBTQ+ community.
Q: Is LGBTQ History Month celebrated outside the U.S.?
A: Its observance is primarily in the United States. Other countries may have different history months (e.g., UK celebrates LGBT History Month in February).
Q: How can I participate in both months?
A: In June, participate in Pride events, support LGBTQ+ businesses, and advocate for equality. In October, dedicate time to learning about LGBTQ+ history, share stories of pioneers, and advocate for inclusive curricula in schools.
Honor the Legacy: Educate and Celebrate
The creation of these months is a story of community power, from the streets of New York to a classroom in Missouri. To honor this legacy, commit to being an active participant. Attend a Pride parade, read a book on LGBTQ+ history, support local LGBTQ+ organizations, and continue the work of the activists who made these observances possible.
Contact & Resources:
- GLBT Historical Society: https://www.glbthistory.org
- LGBTQ History Month Official Website: https://lgbthistorymonth.com
- National Archives – LGBTQ+ History: https://www.archives.gov/news/topics/lgbt-pride-month