How Many Days Until LGBT History Month?
LGBT History Month 2025 (US/Canada) begins on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
About LGBT History Month
LGBT History Month is an annual month-long observance celebrating the history, achievements, and rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ+) people. In the United States and Canada, it is celebrated in October to coincide with National Coming Out Day on October 11th. (Note: The UK celebrates LGBT History Month in February).
Purpose and Importance
Education & Awareness
To increase knowledge and understanding of LGBTQ+ history, which is often overlooked in traditional curricula and historical narratives.
Recognize Contributions
To highlight the significant roles and contributions LGBTQ+ individuals have made throughout history in various fields.
Visibility & Role Models
To provide visibility and celebrate role models for LGBTQ+ youth and the wider community, fostering pride and self-acceptance.
Remember Struggles
To acknowledge the historical and ongoing struggles for LGBTQ+ rights and equality, remembering key events and activists.
Origins in the US
LGBT History Month was founded in the United States in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high school history teacher. Wilson believed that a month-long observance was necessary to properly teach and celebrate LGBTQ+ history.
He chose October because National Coming Out Day (October 11th) already existed, and October also marks the anniversary of the first March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in 1979. The observance quickly gained endorsement from various organizations and has since been adopted by numerous educational institutions and communities.
How LGBT History Month is Observed
Educational Programs
Schools, colleges, and universities often incorporate LGBTQ+ history into lessons, host guest speakers, and organize special events.
Museums & Libraries
Exhibits, displays, and reading lists highlighting LGBTQ+ figures, events, and literature are common.
Online Resources
Organizations like the LGBT History Month website feature biographies, historical information, and educational resources for each day in October.
Community Events
Panel discussions, film screenings, historical tours, and award ceremonies celebrating local LGBTQ+ history and figures.
National Coming Out Day
October 11th is a key date within the month, focusing on visibility and the importance of coming out.
Media Coverage
Increased media attention on LGBTQ+ history, current issues, and community stories.
Ways to Participate and Learn
Learn the History
- Read books or articles about LGBTQ+ history (Stonewall, AIDS crisis, marriage equality, etc.).
- Watch documentaries focusing on LGBTQ+ figures and movements.
- Explore online archives and resources (e.g., GLBT Historical Society, ONE Archives).
Share Knowledge
- Discuss what you learn with friends and family.
- Share informative posts on social media (#LGBTHistoryMonth).
- Encourage schools and workplaces to recognize the month.
Engage Locally
- Attend local LGBT History Month events.
- Visit relevant museum exhibits or historical sites if available.
- Support local LGBTQ+ community centers.
Celebrate Icons
- Learn about influential LGBTQ+ figures in various fields (arts, science, politics, activism).
- Highlight a different historical figure each day or week.
Key Dates & Facts
Founded in 1994 by Missouri teacher Rodney Wilson.
Celebrated in October in the US & Canada, coinciding with National Coming Out Day (Oct 11th).
The UK and some other countries celebrate LGBT History Month in February, marking the abolition of Section 28 in 2003.
The month aims to provide role models, build community, and make the civil rights statement about the LGBTQ+ community's contributions.