GLBTQ+ Bare History Month!

In the USA, October, annually, is featured as GLBTQ+ History Month. During this time, outstanding gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ persons, both current and past, are honoured for their achievements and contributions to their communities and culture’s history as well as to services rendered to history and to society in general. The image above offers the facial representation of some of this year’s winners.

The USA observance was founded in 1994 a Missouri secondary (high school) history teacher named Rodney Wilson. His original intent was to provide role models, build community, instill pride and to provide a civil rights statement of the achievements and efforts of the entire GLBTQ+ community and culture. Prior to the Stonewall Inn Riots of June 28, 1969, there was little, if any, information about the accomplishments and struggles suffered by the previously-known “homosexual” community in the USA and elsewhere in the world. Before the Stonewall uprising, it was the custom for the members of this community to remain closeted (anonymous, secretive).

“There was no gay pride before Stonewall. Only gay fear and gay isolation and gay distrust and gay self-hatred.” ~ Edmund White ~ USA gay novelist, historian

For many, the Stonewall Inn riots marked the beginning of the movement for same gender loving (GLBTQ+) civil rights in the USA. However, in retrospect, it is now recognized as the catalyst (inspiration) that encouraged the community and culture – long abused, discriminated against and ostracized – to adapt a more activist approach in the journey towards equality and freedom.

Because of the existence of GLBTQ+ History Month, there are now forums, historical foundations and societies and institutions themselves dedicated to examining and exploring the topic and others within the community and outside. This is one of the many benefits not only of the Stonewall Riots but also of the observance of our community and cultural history.

The very first commemoration of GLBTQ+ History Month was endorsed by the Gay Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), Gay Lesbian Students Educators Network (GLSEN), the Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the National Education Association (NEA), and other national organizations.

Equality Forum is a national GLBTQ+ civil rights organization with an educational focus. It coordinates GLBTQ+ History Month, produces documentary films, sponsors high impact social initiatives and sponsors an annual GLBTQ+ civil rights conference. It also maintains the GLBTQ+ history month website which is linked below.

http://lgbthistorymonth.com

Below are listed the 2023 honourees. The number of the individual is the date they are honoured. Click the link above for additional information.

1. Marin Alsop – trailblazing conductor
2. Chasen Buttigieg – GLBTQ+ activist
3. Madeline Davis – GLBTQ+ activist and historian
4. Elana Dykewomon – author and activist
5. Tessa Ganserer – transgender German politician
6. Roxane Gay – author
7. Lesley Gore – composer and singer
8. Miss Major Griffin-Gracy – transgender activist
9. Brittney Griner – WNBA superstar
10. Maura Healey – Governor of Massachusetts
11. Jazmine Hughes – editor and writer
12. Eddie Izzard – British actor and comedian
13. Michael R. Jackson – Pulitzer award playwright
14. Leslie Jordan – actor and comedian
15. Tina Kotek – Governor of Oregon
16. Marijane Meeker – pulp fiction pioneer
17. Scott Minerd – Wall Street innovator
18. Ryan Murphy – writer, director, producer
19. Carl Nassib – first out active NFL player
20. Stu Rasmussen – first out transgender mayor
21. Allen Schindler, Jr. – slain naval officer
22. Charles Silverstein – psychologist, activist
23. Andrew Solomon – writer
24. Michael Stipe – rock performer
25. Kara Swisher – tech journalist
26. Andre Leon Talley – fashion journalist
27. Doris Taylor – medical scientist
28. Evelyn Thomas – military activist
29. Mpho Tutu Van Furth – South African Anglican priest
30. Samira Wiley – actor
31. Penny Wong – Australian foreign minister

As is our standard here on ReNude Pride, we combine the best of both of our bare practitioner exceptional qualities and celebrate all of October as GLBTQ+ Bare History Month. This observance will feature both our same gender loving heritage as well as our bare pride and heritage. Ours is a culture and life that needs to be honoured and saluted in many ways throughout not only the month but all year long!

Please take time and explore interesting facets of our historical community and culture! Happy GLBTQ+ Bare History Month to all!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, October 2, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Return to Regularity!”