Celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month

October is LGBTQ+ History Month, first recognized in 1994. To celebrate, we are sharing our collection of relevant resources, including book displays, streaming movies, and more!

Movies to watch 

Visit the LGBTQ+ History category on Kanopy – an award-winning video streaming service providing access to more than 30,000 independent and documentary films, available to you for free as a member of the JMU community. 

LGBTQ+ in Our Collections 

• Archives of Sexuality & Gender: LGBTQ History & Culture since 1940 – a database of primary sources; access requires JMU credentials
• Celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month and Health Literacy Month – a book and resource display
• Exploring Gender Identity and Expression – a book and resource display
• LGBTQ+ History Month – a book and resource display
• Queer Teach-In – a book and resource display 
• SOGIE Programming Records, 1984-2019 – a collection of JMU records in our Special Collections
• Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies – a research guide including resources for research related to JMU’s Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies minor

Things to Do

You can:

• Get involved with the Friendly City Safe Space. 
• Add your pronouns to your Canvas or Zoom account. Each time your name is displayed in a meeting, your pronouns will be displayed along with it. 

Dates to Celebrate 

• Shenandoah Valley Pride Festival – September 21, 2025
• Staunton Pride – October 11, 2025
• Coming Out Day – October 11 every year
• International Pronouns Day – 3rd Wednesday of October