LGBTQ+ History Month
LGBTQ+ History Month lights up October with a burst of color, celebration, and reflection. This special month shines a spotlight on the rich history and achievements of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community.
Celebrate LGBTQ+ achievements and history in October with inclusive events, educational content, and community-driven activations that build brand loyalty among socially conscious audiences.
- Host a film screening or panel discussion featuring LGBTQ+ creators and role models
- Launch an educational quiz or timeline campaign highlighting key LGBTQ+ history milestones
- Organize a community walk or wellness workshop promoting inclusivity and safe spaces
- Feature LGBTQ+ employee spotlights or partner stories celebrating diversity in your organization
Notable campaigns10
- Levi's (2025): 2025 'Meet You In The Park' Pride collection inspired by queer liberation imagery & San Francisco's LGBTQ+ history; annual $100,000 donation to Outright International
- Converse (2024-2025): 'Proud to Be' campaign (11th year): sneakers designed by LGBTQ+ employees and allies with Western details and customizable options
- H&M (2024): 'My Chosen Family' 2024 campaign: vibrant collection in collaboration with LGBTQ+ designers; ongoing support of ACLU and The Trevor Project
- Nike (2024): 'Be True' 2024 campaign: celebrates authenticity and courage of LGBTQ+ individuals through apparel and events; continues year-round commitment messaging
- NYX Cosmetics (2024): 'Proud Allies for All' 2024 campaign: partnership with Los Angeles LGBT Center, allyship training quiz, $650K+ donations, year-round mission
- Absolut Vodka (2022): 'Chosen Families' 2022 campaign + year-round 'Out & Open Initiative' supporting gay bars and LGBTQ-owned businesses; rainbow-themed products with proceeds to NGLCC
- LEGO (2021-2022): 'Everyone is Awesome' campaign: recreated Queer Eye's Fab Five as playable characters; partnerships with Stonewall and Workplace Pride; won British LGBT Award 2022
- MAC Cosmetics (2025): Viva Glam campaign 2025 with trans icon Kim Petras: 100% of lipstick sales go to LGBTQ+ nonprofits ($1M pledge to The Trevor Project, It Gets Better, etc.)
- Skittles (2024): 'Find Your Community' 2024 campaign: 'When You Find Your Community, Your Colors Shine' partnership with GLAAD (5th year) celebrating diversity within LGBTQ+ community
- Amazon Music (2017): 2017 Pride sponsorship: first official music sponsor at Pride in London; LGBT+ employee network 'Glamazon' marched; launched 'History of Pride' podcasts and 'Proud' playlist on Alexa
Campaign ideas5
- Highlight Hidden Stories: Create a mini-documentary or podcast series featuring LGBTQ+ leaders, activists, and role models sharing their journeys and impact on LGBTQ+ history and today's movements.
- Educational Workshops & Live Events: Host free webinars, panel discussions, or in-store events about LGBTQ+ history, rights, and allyship training to position your brand as a thought leader.
- Community Partnerships: Partner with organizations like Stonewall, The Trevor Project, or local LGBTQ+ nonprofits to donate a percentage of sales or create co-branded content and merchandise.
- User-Generated Content Campaign: Invite customers to share their coming-out stories or personal milestones via social media with a branded hashtag. Feature the best submissions across channels.
- Inclusive Product Launches: Release limited-edition collections co-designed with LGBTQ+ creators/artists, with transparent donation commitments to LGBTQ+ causes.
Social angles5
- 'History is written by those who lived it.' Share lesser-known LGBTQ+ milestones and changemakers. #LGBTQHistoryMonth #QueerHistory #WeAreHistory
- Celebrate chosen families: 'Family isn't just who you're born with—it's who you choose.' Highlight the importance of community and support networks. #LGBTQHistory #ChosenFamily
- Behind-the-scenes allyship: 'This month we're listening, learning, and standing up. What does allyship mean to you?' Encourage community dialogue. #AllyshipMatters #LGBTQHistoryMonth
- Normalize representation: 'We see you all year round.' Share diverse LGBTQ+ employees, leadership, and partnerships—not just in February. #InclusionEveryDay #LGBTQPride
- Education angle: 'Did you know?' Share quick historical facts, pivotal moments, or key activists to educate your audience. #LearnMore #LGBTQHistoryMonth #HerstoryHisStory
Ad copy starters5
“"History isn't a month—it's a movement. This February, we honor the brave activists who changed the world. Learn their stories with us. #LGBTQHistoryMonth"”
“"We celebrate LGBTQ+ lives, not just in February, but in our company, our products, and our values—year-round."”
“"From Stonewall to today: The LGBTQ+ community has always led. This History Month, we listen, learn, and stand together."”
“"Real change comes from real stories. Hear from the LGBTQ+ leaders and allies shaping our world—this February and beyond."”
“"Chosen families, chosen futures. Celebrating the LGBTQ+ community's resilience, creativity, and love that powers change."”
LGBTQ+ History Month began in 1994, thanks to Rodney Wilson, a high school history teacher from Missouri.
Wilson felt a strong need for a month dedicated to celebrating and teaching gay and lesbian history. His idea was to provide role models, build community, and make a civil rights statement about the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community.
This observance highlights the history and achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. Over the years, LGBTQ+ History Month has evolved into a national effort to spotlight exemplary role models from the LGBTQ+ community.
In the UK, LGBT+ History Month is observed in February, a choice made to coincide with the celebration of the abolition of Section 28 in 2003.
Section 28 was a British law that banned the “promotion of homosexuality,” a regulation that significantly impacted the LGBTQ+ community’s visibility and rights.
The UK’s observance of LGBT+ History Month emphasizes the importance of reflecting on the progress made since such laws were repealed and the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
Each year, LGBTQ+ History Month commemorates historical figures and milestones. In addition, it also encourages participation in educational and cultural events.
Activities range from crafting compelling news reports about LGBTQ+ icons to creating timelines that bring to life key moments in LGBTQ+ history. These activities serve to educate and inspire. They also foster a deeper understanding of the LGBTQ+ community’s rich heritage and the ongoing struggle for equality.
Host a Film Night – Showcase films by LGBTQ+ filmmakers
This could include screenings of movies, followed by discussions or Q&A sessions with individuals knowledgeable about LGBTQ+ history and culture. Festivals like BFI Flare or the CineQ Queer Film Festival can inspire such events.
Organize an LGBTQ+ Quiz
Create a quiz night that can be fun and educational, tailored for different age groups. This activity can help participants learn more about LGBTQ+ history and achievements. Remember to choose a suitable venue and consider offering prizes.
Participate in a Friendship Walk
Organize or join a walk to promote inclusivity and community spirit. This can be especially welcoming for introverts or those who find large social gatherings daunting. It’s a simple yet effective way to foster connections within the community.
Conduct a Sexual Health Workshop
Offer a workshop to discuss sexual health openly, addressing protections and dispelling myths. Such workshops can create safe spaces for candid conversations and important information sharing.
Explore LGBTQ+ History Through Books
Dive into books exploring healthcare, biology, and medicine themes from an LGBTQ+ perspective. This can be an insightful way to understand the community’s history, struggles, and contributions. However, consider the material’s age appropriateness if it is shared with younger readers.
Create an LGBTQ+ Timeline
Make a timeline highlighting key moments, figures, and milestones in LGBTQ+ history. This can be a group project that encourages creative representation of historical narratives, allowing for ongoing additions as more discoveries are made.
Start an LGBTQ+ Awareness Workshop
Bringing diversity and inclusion training into a more interactive and participatory setting can significantly enhance understanding and respect for LGBTQ+ community members. Such workshops can focus on creating a safe and inclusive space for everyone.