LGBTQIA+ History Month

On behalf of the department, the IDEA Coalition would like to honor and acknowledge LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual) History Month.

Pride Month vs. History Month

IDEA has shared newsletters in the past for LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, which is held every June in the US and is the most well-known celebration period for the queer community.

LGBTQIA+ History Month, held every October, was founded in 1994 by a high-school history teacher in Missouri, Rodney Wilson, who saw his community was not being taught its own history and wanted to change that. He believed a month should be dedicated to teaching LGBTQIA+ history, in addition to the already established Pride Month.

Today, LGBTQIA+ History Month is a month-long celebration observed by Australia, Canada, Cuba, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In addition to teaching young LGBTQIA+ people about their history, its purpose is to provide role models, build community, and highlight the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community to world history.

In the United States, Canada, Armenia, Romania, the Netherlands, Southeast Asia, and Australia, it is celebrated in October to coincide with National Coming Out Day on 11 October and to commemorate the first and second marches on Washington in 1979 and 1987 for LGBTQIA+ rights. In the UK, it is observed during February, which coincides with a major celebration of the 2003 abolition of Section 28. In Germany, it is known as Queer History Month and is celebrated in May.

Upcoming 2023 LGBTQIA+ Celebrations

October and LGBTQIA+ History Month are important for the UF community and Gainesville residents because it’s also when our community celebrates Pride. This is because all the students are gone in June and parading in Florida’s summer heat is no fun. Below is a partial list of upcoming local events for LGBTQIA+ History and Pride. For a complete listing, please visit: gainesvillepride.org/2023pridedays/

Alachua’s Queer History Gallery

WHEN: 10/14 – 10/28 (Wed.-Sat., 11 a.m. – 4 a.m.)

WHERE: Matheson History Museum, 513 E University Avenue

A temporary exhibit on the history of Alachua’s LGBTQ+ community featuring a recently acquired collection of memorabilia from the Pride Community Center of North Central Florida.

Gainesville Pride Festival

WHEN: Saturday, 10/21, 12-8 p.m.

WHERE: Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Avenue

The PCCNCF looks forward to celebrating the diverse community and welcomes you to join in on the festivities!

Screening of Yes I Am: The Ric Weiland Story

WHEN: Tuesday, 10/17, 6 p.m.

WHERE: The Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE 2nd Place

This award-winning documentary celebrates the life of an influential queer pioneer, activist and philanthropist; the co-founder of Microsoft, Ric Weiland.

Drag Bingo

WHEN: Wednesday, 10/18, 8 PM

WHERE: First Magnitude, 1220 SE Veitch Street

Bring your besties and enjoy a fun and fabulous game of bingo fit for a Qween with Drag Bingo hosted by the extraordinary Emma Gration.

Queer Joy Street Party

WHEN: Friday, 10/20, 7-10 PM

WHERE: The Bull, 18 SW 1st Avenue

Join us for a night of connection and celebration on the eve of Gainesville’s Pride Festival! There will be Speed Friendship Dating and Networking from 7-8 pm, followed by a street party from 8-10 p.m. with music, raffle prizes, and costume contests, and more! The event is free, and all LGBTQ+ folks and allies are welcome!

LGBTQIA+ Resources at UF and in Gainesville