Celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month

All October long, join us in celebrating the creations and contributions of members of the expansive LGBTQ+ communities. LGBTQ+ History Month was first recognized in 1994 and aims to champion the stories, histories, historical figures, and civil rights movements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning, and myriad other communities. 

Check out SOGIE’s LGBTQ+ History Month programming and some more resources below: 

Movies to watch 

Visit the LGBTQ+ category and the Celebrate Pride Month Collection 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 

• LGBTQ+ History Month – This virtual book display from SOGIE features books and resources available from JMU Libraries that celebrate LGBTQ+ histories, historical figures, and civil rights movements. 
• “Celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month and Health Literacy Month” book and resource display, selected by ODS and SOGIE in Fall 2024

• Queer Teach-In Book Display – Created in partnership with SOGIE, this virtual book display was designed to support the Queer Teach-In held in October 2023. Visit the display to find books and films focusing on theories, personal stories, and histories that explore the experiences of queer communities in the U.S. 
• Archives of Sexuality & Gender: LGBTQ History & Culture since 1940 – This database provides a robust and significant collection of primary sources for the historical study of sex, sexuality, and gender. Access requires JMU eID and password. 
• Exploring Gender Identity and Expression – This virtual book display from SOGIE and the Office of Disability Services features books and resources available from JMU Libraries on the topics of trans identity and rights, what it means to be a trans person of color, and the experiences of trans folks with disabilities. 
• Sexual Orientation, Gender, and Identity Expression (SOGIE) Programming Records – This collection of JMU records in our Special Collections includes newsletters, photographs, resources and brochures produced by SOGIE and allied groups, outreach and promotional materials, and newspaper clippings. 
• Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies – This research guide includes resources for research related to JMU’s Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies minor.

Things to Do

You can:

• Participate in SOGIE’s LGBTQ History Month programming. 
• Get involved with the Friendly City Safe Space. 
• Check out LGBTQ+ Virtual Resources from SOGIE. 
• 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