October Newsletter

LGBTQ+ History Month

LGBTQ+ History Month is a time to recognize, honor, and celebrate the lives, contributions, and achievements of LGBTQ+ individuals. First observed in the United States in October 1994, it coincides with National Coming Out Day and commemorates key milestones in LGBTQ+ activism. The month is dedicated to educating the public about LGBTQ+ history, highlighting stories and leaders often overlooked, advocating for equality and inclusion, and creating spaces where LGBTQ+ people and allies feel seen, supported, and affirmed. By blending education, remembrance, and celebration, LGBTQ+ History Month encourages reflection on past struggles and accomplishments while promoting a more inclusive, accepting future.

On this day in LGBTQ+ History

October 6, 1992 : The First National Coming Out Day: National Coming Out Day (NCOD) was first observed on October 6, 1992, on the anniversary of the 1987 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. The day was created to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues, challenge stigma, and encourage LGBTQ+ individuals to publicly share their sexual orientation or gender identity. The goal of NCOD is to promote understanding, visibility, and acceptance, and it is celebrated annually by LGBTQ+ people and allies.

LOVELOUD Book Club Presented by OpenBooks

October Pick: Generation Queer by Kimm Topping

Our next book club pic is a work that features 30 different stories of young folks who are creating positive change in the LGBTQIA+ community. It explores the different meanings and uses for the word “queer” across a variety of contexts, like in the arts and within systems. This book serves as a resource for those who are looking for insight on what can be done amidst actions that are taken to erase the stories of LGBTQIA+ people.

This Month’s Topic: Nurturing Communities

Community seems to have become somewhat of a buzzword over the last couple of years, with many people feeling drawn to the concept but oftentimes unclear on how to exactly nurture this idea. We exist in a timeline where we’ve been separated from one another in many regards - positioned in a way where the nuclear family is primary and with little to no free time (or energy) to spend developing sustainable communities.

So how do we do it? How do we find care and belongingness in this world? What is it supposed to look and feel like to be in a healthy relationship?

It can take a lot of work to build the support network we want and deserve, especially when it seems like the world is in chaos. The collective mental load caused by the constant change and disruption in our political affairs can make this seem beyond daunting, like there’s no point in even trying; but know that your wellbeing is of the utmost importance during this time, and community is key to maintaining that.

Here are some reflections to consider if you’re looking to invest more in nurturing a community.

Examine what your capacity is to give and receive. Be real with yourself and reflect on your past relationships. How did you show up? How were you treated and how has that caused any present moment impact? What do you want to do differently in the future?
What would you like to receive most from a community? What is it that you need to feel supported and valued? Maybe it’s something tangible like help with housework or babysitting, or something more like someone to check in with you on hard days.
What do you feel honored to give? What skill or trait would you like to put into practice more in regards to service?

There’s more work to do from here, but getting aligned with your intentions and your offerings will help you to begin piecing things together at a pace that is comfortable for you. It’s a long game, for sure, with many ups and downs - but you deserve the community you crave. Take time to process your wins and losses and hold yourself close during the process.

With love,

The LOVELOUD Team