INFLUENCER

James Baldwin was an openly gay African American writer and activist. He provided a safe place to explore complex societal issues with his novels and plays that centered around race, politics, and sexuality. His personal approach to books like Go Tell It on The Mountain, Giovanni’s Room, and more, brought public awareness to the racial and sexual oppression taking place in America. Baldwin’s leading characters were often African American, and gay and bisexual men facing internal and external obstacles in their search for social and self-acceptance. To this day, James Baldwin is regarded as one of the most influential Authors and Activists the world has ever witnessed.

TRAILBLAZER

Pete Buttigieg is an American politician and former naval officer who is currently serving as the 19th U.S. Secretary of Transportation. A member of the Democratic Party, he was the 32nd mayor of South Bend, Indiana, from 2012 to 2020, which earned him the nickname "Mayor Pete."  President-elect Biden named Buttigieg as his nominee for Secretary of Transportation in December 2020. His nomination was confirmed on February 2, 2021, making him the first openly gay Cabinet secretary in U.S. history. Nominated at age 38, he is also the youngest Cabinet member in the Biden administration and the youngest person ever to serve as Secretary of Transportation.

DID YOU KNOW?

The theme for LGBTQIA+ History Month in 2023 is: Behind the Lens, which aims to celebrate LGBTQIA+ people’s contribution to cinema and film from behind the lens. Directors, cinematographers, screenwriters, producers, animators, costume designers, special effects, make-up artists, lighting directors, musicians, choreographers and beyond. The theme’s goal is to encourage everybody to look ‘Behind the Lens’ and listen to LGBTQIA+ peoples’ lived experiences.

FOR A CAUSE

Outright International is an organization founded in 1990 that aims to eradicate the persecution, inequality, and violence that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and people of other gender identities (LGBTQIA+) face around the world. Outright works to ensure human rights for LGBTQIA+ people everywhere through advocacy, support, and research. Outright continues to advocate for people in the LGBTQIA+ communities through their status as a member of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. They serve as a secretariat for the UN and advocate for equal rights in all 193 world governments.