Hello, my Point Park University The Globe readers. I start this article more directly than usual because of the subject matter. October is LGBTQIA+ History Month, which is a time of reflection, contemplation, and celebration for people within the community. 

For the first time in history, it seems that LGBTQIA+ people can be proud or be “out” publicly in certain circles. There will always be ridicule, backlash, or threats, but queer people are still here, and that’s only one aspect of what makes them so strong. 

October 11th was National Coming Out Day, a day to support closeted and openly LGBTQIA+ people. For those of you who do not know, the term closeted or being in the closet means you are part of the community, but hide your identity for one or multiple reasons. Coming out doesn’t have to be done during this one day to be taken seriously, and shouldn’t have too. Everyone in the community carries empowering stories with them. 

I encourage everyone to seek out people’s stories, read LGBTQIA+ resources, and donate to community health organizations. Attending Pride events, respectfully, also makes a difference because you are contributing positively to the community.

It is key in 2022 to make sure Point Park is not participating in performative activism. Yes, it is okay to post pictures or interact with threads regarding the community, but do not only act upon that within the months of June or October. People deserve to have their differences highlighted all year around because they do exist every day, every year.

Additionally, being mindful of intersectionality is a must when discussing the LGBTQIA+ community. People of color, especially Black trans women of color, are exponentially more likely to be the victims of hate crimes in proportion to their white peers. 

LGBTQIA+ history month was started in 1994 by a high school history teacher named Rodney Wilson. It has only been 28 years since the start of this month. Young people need to realize that there are millions of older gays which have been silenced, attacked, and murdered as a result of living their lives. On top of that, many lost their lives during the AIDS crisis. The individuals which have survived are able to fuel the community with stories and perspective into the action which needs to be taken in regards to inequality. Millennials and Generation Z have had the privilege of sometimes being able to openly express their range of sexualities and gender identities. 

Once again, Happy LGBTQIA+ History week and month. Throughout history there has been certain queer coding to be able to tell if someone was an LGBTQIA+ individual. While this still exists today, there will not be public exposure of modern-day coding in this article, because people are still unable to live their lives safely. Obviously this is dependent on geographical location, but discrimination can and will perservere in any setting. 

If you need resources, please do not hesitate to start within Point Park University and continue further. Reach out to the Counseling Center, Trevor Project, and various queer-friendly public outreach city centers.