Celebration Ideas for Students, Educators, GSAs, Schools and Colleges

Create an LGBT History Month exhibit. Print out the PDF Icon bios, images and other resources to create an exhibit in the library, cafeteria, or other location. Visit the resources page to access each Icon's materials. Visit our Flickr page to see photos of LGBT History Month exhibits.

  • Display posters. Download the LGBT History Month posters and the PDF bios from the resources page and post them on bulletin boards or in other high-visibility locations.

  • Screen "Gay Pioneers," about the start of the organized gay and lesbian civil rights movement. Click on the store link to obtain a copy.

  • Learn about LGBT history in your classes. Ask your history teacher—or any supportive educator—to include the LGBT Icon of the day in class.  
  • Host an event. Hold an unveiling of your LGBT History Month exhibit. Sponsor a forum for educators, an assembly or a program. 

  • Host speakers. Invite members of the LGBT community who are connected to your school—a current or former teacher, an alumnus, or an activist—to participate.

  • Become the teacher. Use the bios and other resources available on this site to make your own presentation for history class; or select Icons whose accomplishments are appropriate to art, theater, photography, business or any other class.

  • Write an article. Submit an article to your school's daily bulletin, or to the school newspaper or newsletter.

  • Make announcements. Make your voice heard. Submit an announcement to be read daily, briefly describing that day's Icon and directing students to this website.

  • Approach your administration. Compile a list of famous LGBT Icons with bios and pictures from the resources and archives on this site. Send these items with a letter explaining that you had to learn about these influential leaders on your own. Urge your school's administrators to consider LGBT inclusion in the history curriculum.

  • Start a diversity initiative. The struggle for equality is shared by all minority groups. LGBT History Month can open dialogue and build bridges. Plan an assembly or panel discussion. 

  • Involve your allies. LGBT History Month is designed for everyone. 

  • If you don't have a student group, start one! Thousands of schools have created gay-straight alliances and LGBT organizations; you can too. Visit the GSA Network for high school GSA guidelines and ideas.

Share Your Celebration! Send us photos of your LGBT History Month exhibit or other creative use of the resources on this site by e-mailing Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director, at mlazin@equalityforum.com.