LGBT History Month (October) is different from Pride Month (June).
On the national level, LGBT History month has been celebrated since 1994 and aims to teach and share LGBT history. October was chosen because school is in session at this time and because existing national days of recognition (such as National Coming Out Day) are celebrated in October.
According to lgbthistorymonth.com, “The LGBT community is the only community worldwide that is not taught its history at home, in public schools or in religious institutions. LGBT History Month provides role models, creates community and makes the civil rights statement of our extraordinary national and international contributions.”
At FAU, it was decided to call it “LGBTQA” history month both for consistency’s sake and to acknowledge that queer, questioning and ally individuals have also experienced injustices and continue to be part of the movements working to end these injustices. FAU will be having events that not only continue this education about LGBTQA history, but also continue to foster pride and create that safe and inclusive campus environment that FAU is continually building.
Pride Month (June) is typically when you will find Pride Festivals and Parades in commemoration of the Stonewall Riots and the ensuing marches that took place to increase visibility and awareness. The purposes of the month are similar, but there are differences.