Let's celebrate the history and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community together!

The LGBTQ + History Month celebration was started in 1994 by Missouri-based teacher Rodney Young. It is 2021, but we still have a lot of work to do. The main objective of the founding of LGBTQ+ history month was to give students of all ages the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of those who pioneered both past and present for the LGBTQ+ community and their efforts to make the sexuality of all more accepted.

Sadly, only six States currently mandate LGBTQ+ curriculums in their education programs. For New Jerseyans, the LGBTQ+ curriculum recently went into effect during the 2020-2021 school year. This curriculum currently promotes allyship, advocacy, tolerance, and acceptance.

We have survived two years into a pandemic. And during this time, we have witnessed a divided country. But we must reflect on the transparency that has derived from the oppression of LGBTQ+ rights. This year we have seen LGBTQ+ athletes face crucial and pivotal points of oppression in their careers in the United States and worldwide. We have advocated together, and our voices continue to be heard. However, we have much work to do and learn from one another.

As a means to pay homage to LGBTQ+ History Month think about the trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community that continue to make large impacts in the world such as:

• Pete Buttgieg- Former presidential candidate; Current Secretary of Transportation

• Sally Ride- America's first female astronaut and a space shuttle robotic arm operator

• Robin Roberts- American Television News Anchor

• Frida Kahlo- Mexican Artist

• Tammy Baldwin- first member of the LGBTQ+ community to be elected to the U.S. Senate

• Oscar Wilde- Irish playwright, author, and lecturer

• Billy Jean King- Former Tennis Champion

• Megan Rapinoe- American Soccer Champion

Do you know local LGBTQ+ heroes in your community who work to make the sexuality of all more accepted? Please share their names with us! We’ll be updating this list throughout the whole of LGBT History month, so be sure to check back in to find out about some more icons and pioneers!