Equality Forum prepares for GLBT History Month

With fall ringing in the start of another school year, Equality Forum has kicked off their annual GLBT History Month celebration early by reaching out to high schools and colleges across the country.

The Philadelphia-based organization mailed more than 5,000 GLBT History Month kits to gay-straight alliances. And in October, Equality Forum will celebrate the five-year anniversary of GLBT History Month by honoring 31 LGBT politicians, artists, activists and others with daily documentaries on its Web site throughout the month. These include Eleanor Roosevelt, actress Cynthia Nixon and fashion designer Tom Ford.

Malcolm Lazin, executive director of Equality Forum, told EDGE he couldn't have predicted the level of success the initiative has reached.

"It's been almost like a rocket," he said. "One of the things that this project has demonstrated is that while the assumption was people weren't interested in our history, the exact opposite is true. The truth is that they were never provided with this information. By virtue of this project, I think people have been both informed and inspired by it."

This year, Equality Forum collaborated with the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network and the GSA Network to distribute GLBT History Month materials across the nation. The kits included posters, icon lists and ideas for creating exhibits and awareness for GLBT History Month. Many schools, however, refuse to recognize the month and some have even cut it out of their calendars altogether.

"If they're going to be consistent then they would not be celebrating Black History Month, Women's History Month, or Hispanic heritage month among others," said Lazin. "If they exclude GLBT History Month it would appear to be based upon prejudice. That, of course, would be very unfortunate. There's certainly, in terms of the celebration of this month, nothing that would be overtly sexual or that would do anything other than what history months traditionally do-to recognize role models and celebrate that group's contributions to either the nation or the world."

Carolyn Laub, founder and executive director of the GSA Network, told EDGE understanding LGBT history is vital to today's youth.

"It's so important for us as LGBT people to know our history, and it's just as important that all young people learn that LGBT people have made incredible contributions in science, politics, education, the arts, and literally every part of our society throughout history," said Laub.

She added that GSAs have grown from refuges for distraught youth to clubs focused on confronting LGBT issues and promoting equality. "My heroes are the brave LGBTQ young people who are coming out at their schools, oftentimes in the face of violence and hostility, because they want to stand up for themselves and every other young person who deserves a safe and welcoming school environment," said Laub.

While Lazin couldn't be happier with the rapid success of GLBT History Month, he continues to raise his expectations and has even set his eyes on the Oval Office.

"I anticipate between now and then the White House will officially recognize and celebrate GLBT History Month as they officially recognize and celebrate all other history months," predicted Lazin. "I would expect that will be a milestone that will be reached. I anticipate that the project will continue to grow and will start to attract attention not only in our community but in the general community as well."