What You Need to Know: LGBT History Month
What is LGBTQ History Month?
USA Swimming would like to take time to recognize the LGBTQIA+ community during October’s National LGBT History Month. LGBT History Month became an official celebratory month in the United States in 1994, geared towards the history of the LGBTQIA+ community. Originally started by a former high school teacher in Missouri, the intention of LGBT History Month is to educate students, teachers and everyone in their surrounding communities about the LGBTQIA+ community their impact. October was chosen to celebrate LGBT History Month to coincide with National Coming Out Day, celebrated annually on October 11.
How to be an Ally during LGBTQ History Month.
Even if you do not identify as a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, there are numerous ways you can help support as an ally.
October 19, 2022, was National Pronoun Day! What is one way to show allyship? Introduce yourself with your pronouns!
Be a microphone. Microphones are used to amplify voices. In the same way microphones are used, people can become microphones for marginalized communities. Becoming a microphone allows you to listen to what the community is saying their needs are and amplify that message to reach more people, rather than speaking for the community.
See the intersection. There is one aspect of the LGBTQIA+ community that makes it unlike most other marginalized communities: It is not limited by nationality, ethnicity, race or gender and spans all around the world. Because this community is all encompassing, the experiences of the people in the LGBTQIA+ community are very different. Recognizing and learning about the uniqueness of these experiences is what drives the diversity of this community and allows the community to grow.
You don’t need to know everything. Being an ally is an active process, which takes practice and is consistently worked on. Similar to swimming, you have to learn the basics before diving into the deep end. Being open to listening to experiences, while not overshadowing, can help individuals learn and grow.
For more on Diversity Equity, and Inclusion, register for monthly DEI education, open to all members! Registration link can be found on the USA Swimming website on the Diversity Equity, and Inclusion tab.
Want to learn more about the impact the LGBT Community has had on the sport of swimming? See the articles below!