Celebrate Gay & Lesbian History Month

“If we don’t know our history we’re going to be forgotten,” said Patsy Lynch, an openly lesbian photojournalist who spent her life chronicling LGBT issues for The Advocate and other well-known news organizations. She’s just one of 31 openly gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender icons being spotlighted this month as part of GLBT History Month.

“GLBT History Month is an educational project,” explains Malcolm Lazin, executive director of Equality Forum in Philadelphia. “We are delighted to have the U.S. Department of Education recognize and celebrate out community’s history month.”

This month marks the fifth anniversary of the celebration, says Lazin, who helped launch the event in Philadelphia. Today, as many as 155 openly gay icons have been honored from around the world. Among those being heralded this month include designers, authors, activists, celebrities and educators like Tom Ford, George Washington Carver, Jane Lynch, George Eastman, David Sedaris and Eleanor Roosevelt.

Learn more about today’s icon Patsy Lynch.