October is LGBTQIA+ History Month

LGBTQIA+ History Month, which originally started as Lesbian and Gay History Month in the United States back in October 1994. It all began with Rodney Wilson, a history teacher from Missouri, who was the first openly gay public school teacher in the state. He chose October as the month to celebrate because it's packed with meaning for the LGBTQIA+ community. The first and second LGBT Marches on Washington were held in October 1979 and 1987. National Coming Out Day is also on October 11th, which commemorates the Second March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. 

What makes celebrating LGBTQIA+ history important? Recognizing the unique stories, contributions and challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals helps us grow awareness, encourage acceptance and celebrate diversity. By doing so, we honor the rich history and resilience of these communities and help create a more inclusive and understanding world for everyone. 

Explore the vibrant and diverse LGBTQIA+ movement and the inspiring stories of individuals within it by tuning into PBS shows on the PBS App. These shows celebrate the resilience and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community and shed light on the ongoing struggle for equal rights and acceptance.

This Gender Nonconforming Secret Agent Almost Caused a War

Not only was Chevalier d’Eon a respected diplomat, trusted spy, and cunning secret agent, they also were a pioneer of publicly expressing gender fluidity in 18th-century France. From an undercover mission in a Russian court to gathering intelligence against Great Britain to blackmailing a King with information that could have caused a war, d’Eon was a master of their craft.

Rogue History: This Gender Nonconforming Secret Agent Almost Caused a War is streaming now online & on the free PBS App.

Why Gender Neutral Pronouns Are Nothing New

When it comes to pronouns to identify a person, we get into identity and that’s where things get complex - and, often political. Myles digs into the history of gender pronouns and asks: why do they matter?

Above The Noise: Why Gender Neutral Pronouns Are Nothing New is streaming now online & on the free PBS App.

History of the Word "Gay"

The word “GAY” has a long history in the English language, but why did “GAY” stop meaning “happy” and start referring “same sex relationships?” Watch this week’s episode of Origin of Everything to find out.

Origin of Everything: History of the Word "Gay" is streaming now online & on the free PBS App.

The Homophobic Origins of the U.S. Law

Laws are intended to maintain order and promote justice, but what happens when those laws promote and spread discrimination and bigotry? Today Danielle analyzes the homophobic history of US law, tracing its origins in colonialism all the way to present-day court cases like Obergefell v. Hodges. This is the second video in our examination of legal discrimination in the United States.

Origin of Everything: The Homophobic Origins of the U.S. Law is streaming now online & on the free PBS App.

American Experience: Stonewall Uprising

In the early morning hours of June 28, 1969 police raided the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in the Greenwich Village section of New York City. That night the street erupted into violent protests and street demonstrations that lasted for the next three days. The Stonewall riots marked a major turning point in the modern gay civil rights movement in the United States and around the world.

American Experience: Stonewall Uprisingis streaming now online & on the free PBS App.

Joan Jett Blakk: The drag queen who ran for president

On her 35th birthday, Joan Jett Blakk, the drag persona of actor Terence Smith, ran for president in lipstick, heels and eyeshadow, continuing a long tradition of drag as political activism. Blakk had also run for mayors of Chicago and San Francisco. During these “campaigns,” Blakk advocated for policies that many politicians are still talking about today, including universal healthcare.

American Masters: Joan Jett Blakkis streaming now online & on the free PBS App.

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American Experience: Casa Susanna

In the 1950s and ’60s, an underground network of transgender women and cross-dressing men found refuge at a house in the Catskills region of New York. Known as Casa Susanna, the house provided a safe place to express their true selves.

Watch American Experience: Casa Susanna Now with PBS NC Passport>.

Coming Out

Join Ann Curry as those whose lives were changed by the early days of the gay rights movement reunite. Tom wants to find the childhood friend who urged him to come out, while Paul seeks a fellow student who inspired him to stand up for his beliefs.

Watch We'll Meet Again: Coming Out Now with PBS NC Passport>.

Prideland

Follow queer actor Dyllón Burnside on a journey to discover how LGBTQ Americans are finding ways to live authentically and with pride in the modern South.

Watch Prideland now online & on the free PBS App.

Mama Bears

They call one another “mama bears” because of the ferocity with which they fight for their children’s rights. Although they grew up as fundamentalist, evangelical Christians praying for the souls of LGBTQ+ people, these mothers are now willing to risk losing friends, family, and faith communities to champion their kids—even if it challenges their belief systems and rips apart their worlds.

Watch Mama Bears now online & on the free PBS App.