LGBTQ+ History Month is observed each year in October in the United States. The first celebration took place in 1994 when Rodey Wilson, a social studies teacher in Missouri, organized a grassroots network of teachers and community leaders to celebrate contributions of LGBT people. The October celebration coincides with longstanding traditions like National Coming Out Day (Oct. 11) and commemmorates the first two LGBT marches on Washington that took place in October 1979 and 1987, respectively [1].
Learning an LGBTQ+-inclusive curriculum benefits all learners in understanding our world and rich diversity of gender and sexual identities. For LGBTQ+ students, inclusive curricula is especially important and supports feeling safer at school and fewer encounters with homophobic or transphobic remarks [2]. This year, as the rights of transgender youth and adults are at risk nationwide [3], celebrating and standing up for LGBTQ+ students, teachers, and families is more crucial than ever.
Curated to help you show support for LGBTQ+ students and bring LGBTQ+ history into your classroom, the following list of resources includes classroom activities, anti-bullying resources, and information about specific dates during history month.
National Coming Out Day: Oct. 11
National Coming Out Day, celebrated annually on Oct. 11, celebrates LGBTQ+ living as their authentic selves, whether by coming out openly or inviting others in to their personal lives. For LGBTQ+ people, sharing their authentic selves with others may not always be safe or easy but can be powerful in combatting homophobia and transphobia [4]. The purpose of National Coming Out Day is not to force people to come out publicly as LGBTQ+, but to celebrate all LGBTQ+ people expressing their truths in their own capacities. The Human Rights Campaign's Coming Out Resources Center offers resources for living openly at home, at work, and in your community. This blog from the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) shares advice for educators on how to support students who come out.
Spirit Day: Oct. 16, 2025
Spirit Day is an anti-bullying movement to inspire LGBTQ+ youth, especially transgender and nonbinary youth, to live their truth and authenticity [5]. On Oct. 16, millions will wear purple to show their support for LGBTQ+ youth. Take the Spirit Day Pledge and learn more about how to participate! The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) Spirit Day Resources include an Anti-Bullying Resource Kit for Parents and Educators.
LGBTQ+ History Resources from GLSEN
GLSEN's resources page offers a variety of resources, from podcasts to interactive timelines to coloring books to classroom resources. You can also search for all activities related to LGBTQ+ History in GLSEN's repository of activities and lessons.
GLSEN Educator Guides
GLSEN's educator guides include lessons, resources, and activities that can be implemented year-round. The guides include resources for specific days of action (like Day of Silence in April) and supplemental lesson plans related to LGBTQ+ inclusion and bullying, bias, and diversity.
LGBTQ+ Rights in Nebraska
ACLU of Nebraska's website provides statistics and a brief history of the fight for LGBTQ+ Rights in Nebraska. Its Transgender Voices video storytelling project introduces Nebraskans to their transgender neighbors.
References
- GLSEN. "LGBT History Month Resources". Archived from the original on 18 June 2013.
- GLSEN. "LGBTQ+ History". Accessed 16 Sept. 2025.
- Reed, Erin. (2025, March 25). "Anti-Trans National Risk Assessment Map: March Edition".
- Human Rights Campaign. "National Coming Out Day". Accessed 16 Sept. 2025.
- GLAAD. "Spirit Day". Accessed 16 Sept. 2025.