In January 2015 for the first time in U.S. history, the words “lesbian,” “bisexual,” and “transgender,” were used in the president’s State of the Union address. In his 2015 address, President Obama stated “That’s why we defend free speech, and advocate for political prisoners, and condemn the persecution of women, or religious minorities, or people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. We do these things not only because they are the right thing to do, but because ultimately, they will make us safer.”
Miss Major Griffin-Gracy is an author, activist, and community organizer who has spent over 50 years committing her life to the fight for transgender rights in America. As a Black, transgender woman who has also faced the intersectional challenges of both homelessness and incarceration, she has dedicated her life to efforts advocating for incarcerated transgender individuals- particularly transgender people of color and those with low income. In 2005, Miss Major was appointed the Trans Gender Variant and Intersex Justice Project’s first Executive Director. She now runs a retreat center in Little Rock, Arkansas for trans and gender nonconforming leaders.
The theme for LGBTQ+ History Month 2024 is: "Medicine #UnderTheScope". This theme celebrates the contributions of LGBTQ+ people to the field of medicine and healthcare, including doctors, nurses, scientists, and other healthcare professionals. It also aims to highlight the history of LGBTQIA+ people's experiences with healthcare, and the health inequalities they still face. One way to show allyship with LGBTQIA+ community is to use the official hashtags #LGBTplusHM and #UnderTheScope in posts and videos on social media.
The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit for LGBTQIA+ youth. The organization has trained counselors always available by call, or text, and offers a safe social networking community for peer support. Along with these life-saving services, The Trevor Project is also committed to the development, execution, and analysis of survey data that brings knowledge and clinical implications to the field of LGBTQIA+ medical health and suicide research. That research is also used in the organizations’ advocacy, education, and public awareness efforts. Individuals can support the Trevor Project through donations, fundraising, and even remote volunteer opportunities. Learn more here: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/