Quick links:
- The History of LGBTQIA+ Acronyms
- The History of the LGBTQIA+ Flag
- Monica Helms: Creator of the Transgender Flag
- The History of Gender Norms in the U.S.
- The History of Transgender Healthcare
- The U.S. History of Drag
- LGBTQIA+ History Books for Adults
- LGBTQIA+ History Books for Kids
- Historical LGBTQIA+ Movies & Documentaries to Watch
October is LGBTQ+ History Month, which originated as Lesbian and Gay History Month in October 1994. It was founded by high school history teacher Rodney Wilson, the first openly gay teacher in Missouri. In 1994, Rodney taught his high school students about the patches different groups of prisoners who were forced into concentration camps by Nazis would wear. When teaching about the pink triangle, which identified those imprisoned for homosexuality, Rodney admitted that if he had been there, he would have been forced to wear one. This caused such backlash for Rodney that he campaigned to make October the month of Lesbian and Gay history.
Since then, our rainbow has become more expansive, adding in more identities. As a healthcare company by and for trans and queer people, we recognize that understanding and honoring LGBTQIA+ history is fundamental to providing healthcare and wellness support that is sensitive to the unique needs of our community. A place for everybody with every body.
This guide delves into some of the struggles, victories, and pivotal moments in LGBTQIA+ history. It serves as a reminder that every milestone, no matter how small, contributes to the broader arc of progress. Now there is a lot of queer herstory, so this guide is far from comprehensive, but we hope to share a few tidbits you didn’t already know to honor our community and our transcestors and the legacy of resilience we all contain.
The History of LGBTQIA+ Acronyms
The acronym for our community has changed over the years as folks have worked for greater inclusion. This evolution has occurred to reflect the diversity and expansiveness of our queer community. While many joke that we are the “Alphabet Mafia” in the way we collect all of the letters, there is a beautiful history to this evolution.
A timeline:
1940s and 1950s - Gay
The word began being used as an underground slang for both men and women homosexuals in the 1940s and 50s.
1960s and 1970s - Lesbian and Gay
“Gay” women began claiming the word lesbian alongside feminist movements in the 1960s and 1970s, with “Lesbian” being added to the official name of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force in 1985.
1980s and 1990s - LGBT
Steps towards broader inclusion and an ongoing questioning of binaries (man/woman, gay/straight, etc) led to the additions of “bisexual” and “transgender” to the acronym, though the terms had been in use by many for decades prior.
2000s and 2010s - LGBTQ
The addition of "queer" to the acronym as "LGBTQ" acknowledged the diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities within the community. "Queer" is an inclusive term that encompasses non-binary, genderqueer, and other identities beyond the binary.
Late 2010s - Present - LGBTQIA+
The acronym has continued to expand to "LGBTQIA+" to include a broader spectrum of identities. The "+" symbolizes the ongoing evolution and recognition of additional identities and orientations, such as intersex, asexual, two-spirit, and more. This version of the acronym underscores the importance of embracing the entire community, including those who may not fit into the previously defined categories.
The evolution of the LGBTQIA+ acronym reflects a growing awareness of the diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities within the community. We can’t wait to see what the next decades bring!
The History of the LGBTQIA+ Flag
The LGBTQIA+ flag, also known as the Pride flag, has a rich history that symbolizes the diversity and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Originally designed in 1978 with eight colors representing different aspects of the community, it was later simplified to six colors. Over the years, the flag has evolved to better represent and reflect the LGBTQIA+ community and its diversity. Philadelphia's addition of black and brown stripes in 2017 recognized people of color within the community.
In 2018, Daniel Quasar introduced the Progress Pride flag, incorporating pink, pale blue and white to represent the transgender community in the shape of an arrow. The arrow points to the right to show forward movement, while being along the left edge to demonstrate that progress still needs to be made. Most recently, an updated version of the Progress Pride flag was shared in 2021 to include the gold triangle and purple circle representing the intersex community. These redesigns demonstrate the flag's adaptability as it continues to reflect the evolving needs and inclusion of our community.
What the Colors of the Pride Flag Mean
The pride flag colors each hold a different meaning, and each color represents an important value of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Traditionally, pink and baby blue have been used to represent whether a baby is a boy or a girl. The color white represents people who are transitioning, intersex, or identify outside the gender binary. These are the three colors that make up the transgender flag that was created by Monica Helms.
Monica Helms: Creator of the Transgender Flag
We spoke with living legend Monica Helms, the seventy-year-old woman, author, wife, model rocket builder, and creator of the transgender flag. A lot has changed since 1999, when Monica first created the design for the trans flag. Now, with the trans rights movement on the rise, visibility can often be a double-edged sword. Especially for those living in the middle of the United States where there is often less access to resources, community, or a general sense of safety. Right now, 39 states are attacking trans youth through legislative measures set to limit the rights of autonomy of transgender young people in sports, bathroom access, and representation in the classroom.
We met with Monica to talk about her story, what it’s like to live in the South, how visibility has changed over the decades, and what the trans flag means today. Watch the interview below.
The History of Gender Norms in the U.S.
While some may view discussions on gender norms and identity as new, history shows that cultural norms have been challenged for ages. Our perceptions of gender have evolved over time, sparking current conversations and research. Despite efforts to break boundaries, historical gender norms still influence today's society, often erasing gender-diverse individuals who have always existed worldwide. This is a vast and dense topic to unpack, so we wanted to share some enlightening reads to learn more about the history of gender norms.
Books to learn about the history of gender:
“Undoing Gender” by Judith Butler
Reflections on gender and sexuality, and the tasks of social transformation. In terms that draw from feminist and queer theory, Butler considers the norms that govern—and fail to govern—gender and sexuality as they relate to the constraints on recognizable personhood.
“Manliness and Civilization: A cultural history of gender and race in the United States, 1880-1917” by Gail Bederman
In turn-of-the-century America, cultural ideals of manhood changed profoundly. Bederman traces this shift in values and shows how it brought together two seemingly contradictory ideals: the unfettered virility of racially "primitive" men and the refined superiority of "civilized" white men.
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“What is Gender History?” by Sonya O Rose
The author discusses the various methods and approaches used by gender historians. Rose reveals how the study of gender illuminates the histories of revolution, war and nationalism, politics and citizenship, colonialism and imperialism, using as examples research dealing with the histories of a number of areas across the globe.
“The Sexual Demon of Colonial Power” by Greg Thomas
A political, cultural, and intellectual study of race, sex, and Western empire. Greg Thomas interrogates a system that represents race, gender, sexuality, and class in certain systematic and oppressive ways. By connecting sex and eroticism to geopolitics both politically and epistemologically, he examines the logic, operations, and politics of sexuality in the West.
The Straight State: Sexuality and Citizenship in Twentieth Century America” by Margot Canady
Unearthing startling evidence from the National Archives, Margot Canaday shows how the state systematically came to penalize homosexuality, giving rise to a regime of second-class citizenship that sexual minorities still live under today.
“Intimate Matters: A History of Sexuality in America” by John D’Emilio & Estelle B Freedman
The first full length study of the history of American sexuality, Intimate Matters offers insights into sexual behavior from colonial times to today. D'Emilio & Freedman give a deeper understanding of how sexuality has dramatically influenced politics & culture throughout history.
"Two Spirit People: Native American Gender Identity, Spirituality, and Sexuality" by Sue-Ellen Jacobs
This book combines the voices of Native Americans and non-Indians, anthropologists and others, in an exploration of gender and sexuality issues as they relate to lesbian, gay, transgender, and other "marked" Native Americans.
“Black on Both Sides: A Radical History of Trans Identity” by C. Riley Snorton
This book identifies multiple intersections between blackness and transness from the mid-nineteenth century to present-day anti-Black and anti-trans legislation and violence.
The History of Transgender Healthcare
With the current political push to deny access to transgender healthcare across the United States, it’s important to revisit our history. There have been some amazing advancements, and there is still a long way to go. Our mission at FOLX is to be a leader in advancing joyful and affirming healthcare for the entire community, and we are here with you in the continued work.
Here are some trans-formative events in history:
1917
Alan L Hart was a physician that was one of the first trans men to transition with medical support. He pioneered the use of x-ray photography in tuberculosis detection and helped implement TB programs that saved thousands of lives.
1918
Magnus Hirschfeld coined the term “transvestite” at his Institute for Sexual Science in Berlin. He advocated for gay rights and supported those seeking their true gender identity, regardless of sex assigned at birth.
1931
Dora Richter became the first known trans woman to undergo gender reassignment surgery.
1940s
Michael Dillon was one of the first trans men to undergo testosterone therapy in England. He became a physician and wrote Self: A Study in Endocrinology and Ethics.
1947
Alfred Kinsey introduced the term “transsexual” to mainstream American discourse, thanks to Louise Lawrence. Alfred Kinsey is known for his contributions to sexual and gender studies, utilizing the supply of trans stories from Louise Lawrence. Louise discovered and joined a cross-dressing and transgender community in northern California, where she built a community of more than 200 transgender people.
1964
A trans man named Reed Erickson, launched the Erickson Educational Foundation (EEF). EEF donated millions of dollars to LGBTQIA+ movements in the 60s, 70s and 80s, as well as created a referral network of physicians, published educational pamphlets, and conducted outreach to medical professionals. This work supported the early gender work at John Hopkins University and provided resources needed for the work of Harry Benjamin, often seen as the founding figure of trans medicine.
1952-53
Christine Jorgensen and Xie Jianshun became the first trans women to make international headlines for undergoing reassignment surgery. Christine Jorgensen was an ex-GI and the first American to undergo gender affirming surgery, she did so in Denmark. In Taiwan, Xie Jianshun was making news for transitioning with the international headline “Christine Will Not Be American’s Exclusive: Soldier Destined to Become a Lady.”
1966-1979
Harry Benjamin wrote The Transsexual Phenomenon and founded the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association, now known as the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). Harry Benjamin was one of the first doctors to provide care for transgender patients starting around 1948.
1980
Gender Identity Disorder was added to the DSM-III to improve access to care for transgender individuals. This allowed transgender people to access care under a diagnosable medical condition, although it still perpetuated the notion trans people have an illness, as opposed to the fact they were dealing with gender-identity induced stress from the pressures of society enforcing gender norms.
2013
Gender Dysphoria replaced Gender Identity Disorder in DSM-V. This started another wave of language evolution in mainstream culture.
2014
A Medicare ruling required coverage for gender-affirming surgery. The 1981 ban on Medicare consideration of transgender health care was lifted.
2019
Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy (GAHT) went online and the push for gender affirming care to be normalized became more mainstream. FOLX Health was one of the first providers to bring gender-affirming care completely online through telehealth.
To read more on these, read our article on Transgender Healthcare History here.
The U.S. History of Drag
The definition of drag is widely debated in queer communities (and now in the political sphere), but at its simplest, drag is a (typically exaggerated) performance of gender, such as femininity or masculinity. Humans have likely been doing some form of “drag” for as long as we’ve been around. We’re a transgressive and playful species. There are many threads of history that lead to now, but we’ve chosen just a few to share with you in this guide.
In the United States, the Harlem drag balls of the 1860s are widely thought to be the birthplace of our modern conceptions of drag. Black queer and trans people, costumed in dresses and wigs, performed and built community around these underground performances. William Dorsey Swann, a formerly enslaved man, is said to be one of the earliest individuals to call himself a “queen of drag.”
“Female impersonators” also graced stages in vaudeville and musical comedies across the U.S. in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Julian Eltinge, one of the most famous early “female impersonators” headlined on Broadway in 1904. These performances were more mainstream and did not typically have the same focus on building community.
By the 1920s and 30s, drag balls and queer bars with shows and gender-bending had gained significant popularity, bolstered by prohibition, earning the period the name “the Pansy Craze.” This time simultaneously saw the intensification of laws against homosexuality and gender nonconformity, with many queer spaces facing raids and closures.
The 1950s saw a surge in the proliferation of gay bars and clubs where drag shows were a staple, along with the emergence of early LGBTQ+ rights organizations. However, these spaces were frequently subjected to police raids and harassment due to the anti-gay legislation and societal norms prevalent during this era.
A turning point arrived in the mid 1960s, with the Compton Cafeteria Riots, the Stonewall Riots, and other similar events, where drag queens and transgender women stood up against police forces. These events catalyzed the formation of LGBTQ+ rights organizations and the inception of Pride marches.
The 1970s and 80s were marked by the evolution and diversification of drag, with performances becoming more theatrical and addressing various themes such as gender fluidity, identity, and societal norms. During this period, the drag community played an integral role in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and raising awareness about the AIDS epidemic, which severely impacted the community.
Additionally, the rise of ball culture, primarily within the African American and Latinx LGBTQ+ communities, during the late 20th century showcased extravagant competitions and provided a supportive environment for individuals to explore their identities and expressions. This period is well-documented in Jennie Livingston's 1990 documentary, "Paris is Burning."
In the 1990s and 2000s drag permeated mainstream culture. The launch of "RuPaul's Drag Race" in 2009 transported drag from the peripheries of entertainment into households globally. The show provided a platform for drag artists to showcase their craft and break barriers (though trans people would not participate until 2017.)
Even with a more widespread awareness of drag, backlash exists. In March of 2023, Tennessee became the first state to criminalize drag performances when they passed a bill banning drag performances from occurring on public property, as well as in any location where people under age 18 could be present. More than 40 discriminatory anti-drag bills nationwide have threatened to criminalize drag performances this year. These bills are an attack on transgender people and part of broader campaigns criminalizing and discriminating against LGBTQIA+ people.
In spite of the attacks, drag provides a space for self-expression, creativity, and community bonding for many. It is a diverse and vibrant art form that transcends gender and artistic boundaries and has a prominent place in LGBTQIA+ culture. We celebrate its history as we work to ensure its place in our future.
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Gender Diverse Books for Kids is located HERE.
Gender Diverse Books for Tweens is located HERE.
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FOLX Health is the first digital healthcare company designed by and for the LGBTQIA+ community. Our services include virtual primary care, gender-affirming hormone therapy including estrogen and testosterone (HRT), mental health care, sexual and reproductive health care, preventive care, and fertility consultations. FOLX memberships give you access to LGBTQIA+ expert clinicians, peer support, thousands of LGBTQIA+ resources, and more. Whether you're lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, gender non-conforming, or nonbinary, you can find LGBTQIA+-specialized health care that helps you meet your wellness goals. FOLX Health is health care that's queer all year. Get all the benefits of becoming a FOLX member and sign up today!
