October marks LGBTQ+ History Month, an opportunity to celebrate and remember the contributions and beautiful humanity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and all those who identify expansively beyond normative terms.
In the United States, several important and inter-connected dates also occur during the month of October, including the anniversaries of the First and Second Marches on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, International Pronouns Day (third Wednesday of October), and Intersex Awareness Day (October 26). In November, we also acknowledge Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20).
LGBT History Month 2024: Here’s why the UK and US celebrate in different months.
We honor the legacy of those who have come before us in the pursuit and advocacy of LGBTQ+ rights, and celebrate members of the Emerson Community, those we feature in the spotlights below, and all students, staff, faculty, community partners, and friends who identify as LGBTQIA and beyond.
Learn about the history of LGBTQ+ History Month, and its origins in a public school in Missouri.
Community Spotlight
Theyta
Theyta is a genderqueer volunteer, social, and professional organization, dedicated to providing a safe space for non-binary and gender non-conforming students on campus.
Theyta’s Spotlight Moment:
Elisanett Martinez
Assistant Director of LGBTQIA+ Services, Intercultural Student Affairs
Elisanett’s Spotlight Moment:
The resilience and activism of LGBTQ+ communities of color. Often overlooked, these communities have been at the forefront of movements for equality, from the pivotal role of trans women of color like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera in the Stonewall Uprising to the ongoing fight for intersectional justice today.
Their courage to stand against both systemic oppression and discrimination within the LGBTQ+ movement deserves recognition and amplification. Their contributions have shaped the progress we celebrate today and remind us that our fight for equality must always include all voices and identities.
Matt Finn
Senior Associate Director, Faculty Affairs
Matt’s Spotlight Moment:
I just completed a successful run of a production called February House with The Treehouse Collective theater company in Boston. February House, a musical by singer-songwriter Gabriel Kahane with a story by Seth Bockley, revisits the lives of luminaries such as Gypsy Rose Lee, Carson McCullers, W.H. Auden, and Benjamin Britten, weaving their creative and romantic connections into a story that explores artistry, sexuality, and legacy. Working on such a production was such a fulfilling experience. Being able to bring these queer stories to life was nothing short of a joy. I would also like to highlight the wonderful support of my partner, Brian, who was there every step of the way!
Emerson Events
Screening of Y Tu Mamá También for LGBTQIA+ History Month, Thursday, October 24, 4pm
Hosted by Intercultural Student Affairs and the Lavender Community Council. Cultural Center #406, 172 Tremont St.
More Information on EmConnect.
Join us for a special screening of Y Tu Mamá También in celebration of LGBTQIA+ History Month!
This iconic Mexican film, directed by Alfonso Cuarón, explores themes of friendship, identity, desire, and the fluidity of sexuality against the backdrop of a life-changing road trip.
Additional Emerson Resources
eQual
Emerson’s Employee Resource Network for staff and faculty who identify as LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) and their allies. Contact eQual at equal@emerson.edu.
Emerson’s Advancement Group for Love and Expression (EAGLE) is a space for queer students and their allies to find community. We provide support, connection, resources, and a platform to discover yourself and other identities. We aim to be a reflection of what queer Emerson students need as an entirely LGBTQIA+ friendly space: kindness, validation, liberation, and community care.
Visit the Intercultural Center (172 Tremont, Room 406) on Tuesdays @ 7 PM and hang with our people!
The Beyond the Binary: Gender Identity Support Circle is a weekly supportive and affirming space for students who identify outside the gender binary or are exploring their gender identity, where students can connect with others who share similar experiences. Learn more on EmConnect.