This is an archive of news stories and research from the National Union of Public and General Employees. Please see our new site - https://nupge.ca - for the most current information.
“LGBTQI2S+ history should have a place in our history curriculums,” said NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer, Bert Blundon. “LGBTQI2S+ history is Canadian history. It’s our duty to pass on intersectional knowledge to future generations.”
Ottawa (01 Oct. 2021) — October 1 marks the beginning of LGBT history month.
Creation of LGBT History Month
Separate from Pride Month, LGBT History Month was created in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, a high school history teacher in Missouri, to celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender history. October was picked to coincide with National Coming Out Day, which is celebrated in Canada, the United States, and some countries in Europe.
Learning about LGBTQI2S+ Canadian history
When asked to name a significant event in LGBT history many in Canada would name the Stonewall Riots. But Canada has its own LGBTQI2S+ history that should be known.
The resources to learn about LGBTQI2S+ Canadian history are out there. The website Queer Events has a detailed timeline of LGBTQI2S+ history in Canada from 1969 to the present day. Egale Canada has a YouTube series called #HearOurStory, which highlights stories from LGBTQI2S+ Canadian history.
LGBTQI2S+ history is Canadian history
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) challenges its members to learn about LGBTQI2S+ trailblazers and take part in LGBT History Month events.
“There’s still work to be done on expanding our knowledge of LGBTQI2S+ history in Canada,” said NUPGE President, Larry Brown. “Indigenous people have their own LGBTQI2S+ history that extends long before colonial times, and BIPOC voices have frequently been excluded from history. It’s imperative that we keep funding BIPOC scholars and authors who can help us recover these silenced narratives.”
“LGBTQI2S+ history should have a place in our history curriculums,” said NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer, Bert Blundon. “LGBTQI2S+ history is Canadian history. It’s our duty to pass on intersectional knowledge to future generations.”