One Is A Rallying Cry, The Other A Celebration
LGBT History Month? What is this? Do we really need more markings and celebrations of the LGBT liberation movement? If I am honest, even myself wonder about that sometimes.
But on reflection, the answer is a resounding YES! In many, mostly western, white societies, people might live under te illusion that society has become much more accepting and things are fine now.
However, many LGBTQ+ people around the world are still living under oppression. Many countries still have anti LGBT legislations threatening people with flogging, stoning and even punishable death.
Even in places that at first glance might seem utterly accepting, such as London, violent attacks still take place, as shown in the stabbing of two guys outside the Two Brewers pub in Clapham, South London.
My friends, students and acquaintances are all invariably surprised whenever I tell them that my country of origin, the tropical paradise of Sambaland holds the shameful accolade of having the highest rate of homophobic murders in the world.
Brazil has to overturn this and the route is education. And for this reason, as an online English teacher, I have decided to focus my lessons and materials heavily on the LGBT cause.
Education, Representation and visibility is the way forward. In the words of Marsha P. Johnson, icon of the Stonewall uprising:
"We have to be visible. We should not be afraid of who we are."
In the following text, Professor Martha Brenckle attempts to explain the origins, and the differences between Pride Month and LGBT
History Month, and why there s a place and a need for both Pride Month & LGBT History Month.
Pride Month & LGBT History Month
Every so often, Professor Martha Brenckle thinks about a group of people she has never met who gathered at Bill Federick Park, at Turkey Lake, more than 40 years ago.
This group of ordinary people organised Orlando’s first Pride Picnic.
“I think it’s just amazing what they did — this group of regular, everyday kind of people, who held normal jobs — there was no politician or celebrity” says Brenckle.
“Yet, there they were, in 1979, putting their necks out, making themselves visible in order to make other people's lives better. I think we all should keep them in mind as we party on today, and continue what they started.”
"Living With Pride" is something Brenckle observes every single day, all year long. She's one of the founding members of UCF’s Faculty and Staff Pride Association a decade ago.
She serves as the treasurer for the LGBTQ+ History Museum of Central Florida, is involved with Equality Florida and previously served on The Center’s board.
She helps to explain the history and significance behind the nation’s Pride and LGBTQ+ History months.
“I hope we all remember that everybody is worth of respect. Everybody is worth of rights. Everybody is worth of kindness,” Brenckle says.
When is Pride Month?
June. Though celebrated for more than 50 years, President Bill Clinton officially declared June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month in 2000. President Barack Obama expanded the observance in 2011 to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month.
And today's celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts, and LGBT Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world. It is also common for memorials to be held during this month for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS.
Why do we celebrate Pride Month?
Pride Month was initially inspired by the 1969 Stonewall Uprising and works to achieve equal justice and opportunity for LGBTQ Americans. The purpose of the month is to recognize the impact that LGBTQ individuals have had on society locally, nationally and internationally.
“These are groups of people who for so long lived in the closet and hid their real identities,” Brenkle says. “I think it’s very important to make note of that, and also to make note of the fact that things are still not perfect.
Yes, we have same sex marriage, but we don’t have adoption rights in every single state. We don’t have the same employment rights in every single state. We still have students kicked out of their homes for coming out. Things are still problematic in our daily lives.
I think those things need to be brought forward and need to be talked about. That awareness is why these Pride events are so important.”
What is the Stonewall Uprising?
The Stonewall Uprising occurred in June 28, 1969, and was a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. In the 1960s, the Stonewall Inn, in New York City’s Greenwich Village, was a gay club and refuge for many in the LGBTQ community.
On June 28, 1969, the New York City police raided the inn, sparking a riot among bar patrons and neighbourhood residents with the police. The riot involved hundreds of people and led to six days of protests and violent clashes with law enforcement outside the bar on Christopher Street, in neighbouring streets and in nearby Christopher Park.
A year later on June 28, thousands of people marched from the Stonewall Inn to Central Park in what was then called “Christopher Street Liberation Day” — marking what is now recognized as the nation’s first Gay Pride parade.
Since 1970, LGBTQ+ people and allies have continued to gather together in June to march with Pride and demonstrate for equal rights.
When is LGBT History Month?
October (February in the UK). LGBT History Month was created in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, a high school history teacher in Missouri.
In 1995, a resolution passed by the General Assembly of the National Education Association included LGBT History Month within a list of commemorative months.
October was selected to coincide with National Coming Out Day (Oct. 11), which was already established, and the anniversary of the first march on Washington for gay and lesbian rights in 1979.
Why do we celebrate LGBT History Month?
The month is meant to highlight and celebrate the history and achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
According to GLAAD, “during the early years, the celebration was largely marked by a call to action and commemoration.
But since then, LGBT History Month has blossomed into a national coordinated effort to highlight exemplary role models from the LGBT community. Since 2006, this push has been led by LGBT rights and education organization Equality Forum.”
Can I visit the LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida?
The museum is virtual and does not have a physical address. Prior to the pandemic, Brenckle says the museum, which is staffed by volunteers, offered traveling exhibits at schools, centers and events. You can still access their services at floridalgbtqmuseum.org.
“We have an amazing digital archive that people can go into and read and borrow from if they’re teaching something or need it for research,” she says.
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