GLBT History Month

Josh Middleton on the LGBTQ scene

by Josh Middleton

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October sees a lot of nationwide moving and shaking in the LGBTQ community, and Philadelphia's in the center, wiggling her cute little ass to the bone. Just last week, Mayor Michael Nutter hoisted a rainbow flag at City Hall, and on Sunday, Philly Pride hosted Outfest, the world's largest National Coming Out Day celebration. With so much distraction, it may be easy to lose sight of the fact that there was a time in the not-so-distant past when outward displays of gay were considered taboo. But that's why we have GLBT History Month.

Since 2006, Equality Forum has celebrated by establishing a website that provides access to bios, videos and images of a different gay icon on each day of the month of October. Executive Director Malcolm Lazin says the achievers, who so far have included local gay and trans activists Kiyoshi Kuromiya (pictured) and Mara Keisling, are chosen on the basis of three criteria: if they've displayed excellence in their field, been granted national hero status or done something to advance gay civil rights.

Over the past five years, Equality Forum has generated a database that includes information on 155 international gay symbols — everyone from Eleanor Roosevelt to Ellen DeGeneres. Lazin hopes it will become a source of inspiration for gay children who may not otherwise be aware of the contributions LGBTQ citizens have made around the world. It's all about providing role models — to lay an early foundation of pride in our gay youth.

"We're the only minority community worldwide that's not taught about its history at home, in public schools or at religious institutions," Lazin says. "If we don't take on the responsibility of teaching about the history and these role models, no one else will." To keep updated about this year's featured icons, visit glbthistorymonth.com through Oct. 31.