| ABOUT LGBTQ+ HISTORY MONTH |
In 1994, Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high school teacher, believed a month should be dedicated to the celebration and teaching of gay and lesbian history, and gathered other teachers and community leaders. They selected October because public schools are in session and existing traditions, such as Coming Out Day (October 11), occur that month.
Gay and Lesbian History Month was endorsed by GLAAD, the Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the National Education Association and other national organizations. In 2006, Equality Forum assumed responsibility for providing content, promotion, and resources for LGBT History Month.
Source: "About LGBT History Month." LGBT History Month, https://lgbthistorymonth.com/background. Accessed 24 Sept. 2025.
| ORGANIZATIONS WORKING TO MAINTAIN AND ADVANCE THE RIGHTS OF THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY |
| LGBTQ+ LIBRARY COLLECTION |
To support the LGBT Program, students, and studies at NVC, PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) of the North Bay provided foundational funding for the Library's LGBTQ+ Collection. In this collection, you can find books on the history, experience, and culture of LGBTQ+ identity and life in America and beyond.
Books in the LGBTQ+ Collection*
*Read this first
To see all the books in the collection, 1. Open the link, 2. Select "More Search Options" and under Collections select "LGBTQ+ Collection," then "set search options," 3. Enter an asterisk * (or keywords) in the search bar and press "Go!" or enter on your keyboard.
| FEATURED ACTIVIST: MARSHA P. JOHNSON |
Marsha P. Johnson was a trailblazing activist whose courage and compassion made her a key figure in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. A Black transgender woman and drag performer, she was on the front lines of the 1969 Stonewall uprising, an event that ignited the modern LGBTQ+ liberation movement. Alongside Sylvia Rivera, she co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR), an organization that provided shelter, support, and advocacy for homeless queer and trans youth who were often overlooked by mainstream gay rights groups. Johnson’s activism centered the most marginalized members of the community—especially transgender people, sex workers, and people of color—challenging society’s indifference to their struggles.
Resources:
Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson
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| LGBTQ+ NEWS |
The following resources have up-to-date news regarding LGBTQ+ events:
| FEATURED ACTIVIST: GEORGE TAKEI |
George Takei has been and continues to be a powerful advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, using his public platform and personal story to fight for equality and visibility. Best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu on Star Trek, Takei came out publicly in 2005 and has since spoken openly about his experiences as a gay man in Hollywood and the broader struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community. He has campaigned for marriage equality, challenged discriminatory laws, and highlighted issues like homophobia and transphobia with both seriousness and humor, often using social media to reach wide audiences.
This year, Takei will serve as honorary chair of Banned Books Week, an annual event sponsored by the American Library Association, which takes place from October 5th-11th. The theme for 2025 is "Censorship Is So 1984. Read for Your Rights."
Resources:
| PRIDE LEARNING COMMUNITY AT NAPA VALLEY COLLEGE |
An immersive, engaging, and exciting learning community for LGBTQ+ and ally students. You can participate by registering for an LGBT Education course and or by becoming a member of the Pride Student Club. The Pride Learning Community supports classes and student activities on and off campus. This is an opportunity to get so much more from your college experience.
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Join the NVC LGBTQ+ Pride Center in-person and/or online! In-person: The new physical Pride Center is located in room 1014, on the bottom floor of the 1000 building. The Pride Center will typically be open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 11AM to 2PM. Students and staff may drop in during these times except for when the space is being used for Pride Club meetings, trainings, or other reserved uses. Online: Join the online community in Canvas! Current students can enroll now. |
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The LGBT Education Program at Napa Valley College provides the opportunity for study of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues related to the family, education, health care, and the community. Students explore a wide range of topics related to how people identify their sexuality and gender and how those identities are impacted and influenced in the family, in schools, in health care settings, and throughout the community. |
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Pride Club at Napa Valley College Meetings: Tuesdays & Thursdays 12:45pm - 1:45pm Location: Pride Center President: Daryl Barrera dbarrera12938@student.napavalley.edu Adviser: Greg Miraglia |
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Learn more about the Safe Space Program at Napa Valley College. |
| FREEDOM TO LOVE SCULPTURE |
"Freedom to Love" is a sculpture created by Dina Angel-Wing to honor Gilbert Baker, the creator of the Rainbow Pride Flag, and his friends Tom Taylor and Jerome Goldstein. Donated to Napa Valley College by family of Tom Taylor and Jerome Goldstein, it is installed in the lobby of the library building.
Read more about Baker, Taylor, Goldstein, and Angel-Wing and learn about the creation of the Pride Flag at Freedom to Love at NVC.
At right: Photo of portion of sculpture depicting seated Gilbert Baker in brown shades with rainbow flag draped over shoulder.
