In 2000, President Bill Clinton declared June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month to commemorate the Stonewall Uprising, which was a series of violent confrontations between gay rights activists and the police outside the Stonewall Inn in June of 1969. Born from these riots was the International Gay Rights Movement. Ever since then, people have flooded the streets of cities every year with rainbow flags.

     Often overshadowed by Pride Month but equally as important is the LGBTQ+ history month in October. According to Seager of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), LGBTQ+ history month was created in 1994 by Missouri High School teacher Rodney Wilson to coincide with the academic year as well as the National Coming Out Day on October 1. This month is dedicated to learning about the achievements of LGBTQ+ people and celebrating the tireless efforts they’ve devoted towards equal rights. 

IMAGE BY VIVIAN XIE