October is LGBTQ History Month, a 31-day celebration to honor lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer achievement and influence on the world and a time to learn more about the history of LGBTQ rights. Centering around National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11, LGBTQ History Month was first celebrated in the United States in 1994. It all started when Missouri high school teacher Rodney Wilson decided there should be a month dedicated to learning about LGBTQ history, gathering teachers and leaders in the community. They selected October to coincide with the academic year as well as Coming Out Day. Soon, the celebration was endorsed by GLAAD, the Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the National Education Association and other national organizations, the website said. By 2006, Equality Forum created content, promotion and resources for LGBTQ History Month. October’s celebration differs from Pride Month in this way, as Pride Month is focused on honoring the visibility of LGBTQ people as well as the movement toward equality. The holiday is celebrated in June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Riots. On the other hand, LGBTQ History Month is meant to teach about historic figures and their contributions to the world.