LGBT History Month Resources

In January 1994, Rodney Wilson, a social studies teacher in Missouri who was appalled at the failure of textbooks to address LGBT issues, organized a grass-roots network of teachers and community leaders toward creating a month of celebration that focused on the contributions of LGBT people. October was chosen because it built on already existing traditions such as National Coming Out Day (October 11) and the anniversaries of the first two LGBT marches on Washington in 1979 and 1987.

Each year in October, growing numbers of educators find ways to bring LGBT history into their curricula and school programming, opening up a dialogue that will hopefully lead to ongoing explorations of LGBT issues and a more integrative approach to exploring LGBT themes throughout the school year.

Below are a variety of resources that we hope will help you initiate a dialogue around LGBT history in your classroom or school. Look for new resources as the year progresses, and please send us lesson plans and ideas that you have implemented and that we may share with others.

Becoming Visible: A Reader in Gay and Lesbian History for High School & College Students

Bowers v. Hardwick and the "Right to Be Left Alone"

Breaking the Code on LGBT History

Celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) History Month

McCarthyism and the Witch-Hunt Mentality

Out of the Past Video and Teachers' Guide

Why We Need A Gay and Lesbian History Month