In 1969, a police raid at the popular Stonewall Inn provoked riots in response to injustices against the LGBTQA+ community. These events sparked a movement which eventually led to the legalization of same-sex marriage on June 26, 2015. But the legalization of same-sex marriage was not the end goal, there are still many struggles happening today, making it critical to recognize and celebrate LGBTQA+ History month. Especially surrounding all of the recent violence against members of the LGBTQA+ community, including the shootings in Orlando and the many county clerks who continue to deny same-sex couples a marriage license. This widespread violence is one of the many reasons it is incredibly important to educate people about the LGBTQA+ community and their history.

LGBTQA+ History Month was first celebrated in October, 1994. October was deemed LGBTQA+ History Month in recognition of National Coming Out Day (Oct. 11). Many people confuse LGBTQA+ History Month with Pride Month, which is in June. Pride Month allows members of the LGBTQA+ community to celebrate their sexualities and each other, while LGBTQA+ History month helps members of the LGBTQA+ community learn about the past struggles and successes and celebrate how far the LGBTQA+ community has come. As a community that is so rarely recognized in a positive light, LGBTQA+ History month provides individuals with an opportunity to not only celebrate themselves, but celebrate others too. Allies, who are straight, cisgender people who support and advocate for equal rights, and people in the LGBTQA+ community learn about the hard work it has taken to get to this point, and appreciate (because history has not been kind to the LGBTQA+ community) the community’s past.

Every day we read headlines and stories about LGBTQA+ teens getting sent to correction camps or being bullied just because of who they are. In fact, one of Vice President Candidate Mike Pence’s policies is to divert money towards conversion therapy for young people. Although violence and hate towards the LGBTQA+ community has been evident in recent years, it has been around for a much longer time. Which is why celebrating LGBTQA+ History Month is so crucial to bettering the lives of not only members of the community, but supporters too. Seeing how far the community has come, from starting out as something to hide and be ashamed of, to transforming into a loving community where people are accepted and come together to make their lives better, will inspire people to stand up against injustice, and show how strong they can really be.