Lgbtq

Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

LGBTQ+ History Month: Ways to celebrate

Couples, Individual

October is LGBTQ+ History Month! Here at Collaborative Counseling Center, we’re committed to uplifting the voices and shining a light on the experiences of our diverse community. In honor of National Coming Out Day, we’re going to share some of the steps you can take to build empathy, champion belonging, and celebrate diversity with the LGBTQ+ community.

Get Educated

This month, make a commitment to learn about the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Research prominent figures, authors, and events throughout history and occurring in your area today! In this article, we’ll share some people, places, and events to get you started.

Support LGBTQ+ Authors

Along with LGBTQ+ History month, October is also National Book Month. National Book month aims to inspire reading, elevate the voices of diverse authors, and encourage people to share stories of their own. Books hold a transformative power, especially in their ability to promote awareness and fuel social change. That same influence is at the heart of events like National Coming Out Day and LGBTQ+ History month.

Check out authors like:

Books like these have been catalysts for change within the LGBTQ+ community, amplifying often unheard voices and experiences.

Mark Your Calendar

LGBTQ+ focused remembrances, moments, and celebrations are happening all month this October. You can find out more by exploring your local community. We’ll suggest some LGBTQ+ affirming groups in the Denver area later in this article.

Add these events to your calendar so you can be a part of the movement:

  • October 8: International Lesbian Day
  • October 11: National Coming Out Day
  • October 15: National Latinx HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
  • October 19: National LGBT Center Awareness Day
  • Third Wednesday in October: International Pronouns Day
  • Third Thursday in October: Spirit Day
  • October 26: Intersex Awareness Day
  • Last week in October: Asexual Awareness Week

Advocate, Amplify, and Create Safe Spaces

Whether you’re at work, home, school, or somewhere else in your community, you can take steps to support the LGBTQ+ community. You can advocate for folx by:

  • Letting friends, coworkers, and others know that you support LGBTQ+ rights
  • Contributing to LGBTQ+ organizations (keep reading for our recommendations!)
  • Supporting inclusive education in public schools

Amplifying voices is easier than you think. Use your platform to share the stories, art, and achievements of LGBTQ+ folx.

You can create safe spaces and conversations by sharing kindness, acceptance, and belonging wherever you go. If you’re interested in learning how to do this, come chat with us here at the Collaborative Counseling Center!

Support LGBTQ+ Organizations

Consider donating or volunteering with local or national organizations committed to supporting LGBTQ+ rights. Here are just a few of the groups to follow in the Denver area and beyond:

Be a Part of the Conversation

We offer care and a safe space to folx from across the rainbow. Whether you identify as LGBTQ+, an ally, a friend, a loved one, or someone who is curious about this community, we are here to support you. Give us a call and talk to one of our counselors about how we can support you today.

Therapists who specialize in LGBTQ+ issues:

Ruben Bermea

Further Reading