Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is celebrating LGBTQIAP+ History Month with a special tribute to the remarkable impact and enduring heritage of the LGBTQIAP+* community. This encompasses individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual/aromantic, or pansexual. Their profound influence spans across diverse domains, encompassing science, the arts, politics, and religion within the tapestry of United States history. We extend an invitation to our community to delve into, champion, and commemorate the manifold facets of LGBTQIAP+ identities and their vibrant historical narrative.
The incorporation of the plus sign serves to acknowledge that this acronym is not exhaustive in encompassing all sexual and gender identities within the queer spectrum. Its purpose is to symbolize the inclusion of further identities, including but not limited to asexual, intersex, pansexual, two spirit, and numerous others. To access a comprehensive inventory of these identities, please refer to thesafezoneproject.com/resources/vocabulary/
In 1994, LGBTQIAP+ History Month came into being thanks to Rodney Wilson, a high school history instructor hailing from Missouri. This period gained initial endorsement from organizations like GLAAD and the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). Its selection was originally based on the already established National Coming Out Day on October 11 and the commemoration of the inaugural march on Washington by LGBT individuals in 1979, held on October 14. Presently, the month also encompasses significant events such as Spirit Day on October 20, when people across the nation wear purple in solidarity with LGBT youth. Additionally, Ally Week celebrates those who stand against LGBT bullying, and on October 12, we remember the tragic loss of 21-year-old Matthew Shepard in 1998. This event catalyzed the enactment of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
To stay updated on current events regarding the LGBTQIAP+ community, please explore the GLAAD and GLSEN websites.
- STEM Scholar Highlights:
- Chanda Prescod-Weinstein (Theoretical Physicist and Feminist Theorist)
- Sophie Wilson (Computer Scientist)
- Nergis Mavalvala (Dean of MIT’s School of Science)
- Read, Watch, Listen, and Learn
- Explore Gordon Library's LGBTQIAP+ History Month collection
- Explore ODIME’s LGBTQIAP+ Support and Resources page
- Explore GLSEN’s LGBTQ History Timeline Reference online
- Explore the LGBTQ Rights Timeline in American History online
- Explore the Ultimate Calendar of LGBTQ+ Pride & Awareness Days (2023) (goodgoodgood.co) online
- Explore the GLBT Historical Society: Museum and Archives online
- Read 10 Books to read this LGBTQ History Month
- Read Pocan Introduces Bills to Create National Museum of American LGBTQ+ History and Culture
- Download the Quist LGBTQ History App to your mobile device
- Watch Stonewall Forever - A Documentary about the Past, Present and Future of Pride
- Watch Out in Science 2023: Queer Futurism in STEM
- Watch Before Stonewall on Tubi
- Listen to the Making Gay History Podcast
- Listen to the University of Oxford LGBT History Month Lectures Podcast
- Listen to the Queer as Fact Podcast
- Take Action
- Read How To Address Misgendering When It Happens
- Volunteer with the Trevor Project
- Support the Safe Homes right in Worcester, MA
- Register to Vote -OR- Check Your Voter Registration
- Everything you need to vote. Vote.org
- Become a Poll Worker
"LGBTQ+ History Month allows the opportunity to extensively learn about the history of the LGBTQ+ movement, and what factors and measures will be successful in building communities and providing role models who will best represent and address the issues of the LGBTQ+ community. The month-long commemoration is most prominently celebrated in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Hungary, Brazil, and the city of Berlin. The particular month of celebration varies across different countries — in the United States, Canada, and Australia, LGBTQ+ History Month is celebrated in October; in the United Kingdom and Hungary, it is celebrated in February; and in Berlin, the holiday is celebrated in June and is known as Queer History Month."
Learn More: https://nationaltoday.com/lgbtq-history-month/