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FDLP Resource Guides
Beginning summer 2023, we are updating our guides. You may notice changes to the look and feel of our existing guides. If you have any questions or experience any issues, please contact askGPO.

Then and Now Experiences of the LGBTQ+ Community

Overview

Learn about past and present experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals, primarily concerning their civil rights. This guide uses the definition of LGBTQ+ from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

Screenshot of "Photograph of "Numbered 001" Rainbow LGBT flag by Gilbert Baker with the original eight colors"

Photograph of "Numbered 001" Rainbow LGBT flag by Gilbert Baker with the original eight colors, which mean "hot pink - sex; red – life; orange – healing; yellow – sunlight; green – nature; turquoise - magic or art; indigo – serenity; and violet - spirit" (Image source: NAID: 219756312).

Recognizing and Celebrating the LGBTQ+ Community

Below are some annual events that occur either in the United States or worldwide.

Date Event
First full week after Valentine’s Day Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week
March Bisexual Health Awareness Month
March 31st

International Transgender Day of Visibility
April 6th International Asexuality Day
April 26th

Lesbian Visibility Day
May 17th International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
May 24th Pansexual and Panromantic Awareness Day
June LGBTQ+ Pride Month
June 28th Stonewall Riots Anniversary
July 7th to July 14th Nonbinary Awareness Week
July 14th International Nonbinary People’s Day
September 16th to 23rd Bisexual Awareness Week
September 23rd Celebrate Bisexuality Day
October LGBTQ+ History Month
October 8th International Lesbian Day
October 11th National Coming Out Day
Third Thursday in October Spirit Day
Last Full Week of October Asexual Awareness Week
October 19th

National LGBTQ+ Center Awareness Day
October 26th Intersex Awareness Day
Second Week of November Transgender Awareness Week
November 20th

Transgender Day of Remembrance
December 1st World AIDS Day
December 8th Pansexual/Panromantic Pride Day

Related GPO Resources

GPO has information about LGBTQ+ resources. Click on each of the tabs in this box to see some of the featured resources from the Catalog of U.S. Government Publications (CGP), FDLP Academy, FDLP Resource Guides, and GovInfo.

The CGP is a free online resource of bibliographic records for U.S. Government publications. To learn more about how to use this catalog, check out CGP Search Tips/Help. 

  • Try basic keyword searches like LGBTQ, LGBTQ+, LGBTQI+, and LGBTQIA2S+
  • Try advanced author keyword searches like Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, and U.S. Department of Justice.

The FDLP Academy offers free webinars and webcasts for Federal Depository Libraries and the general public. Its mission is to "create and deliver enhanced educational opportunities to the FDLP community by fostering collaboration, by facilitating knowledge sharing, and through the application of new methods and use of multiple mediums" about U.S. Government resources. The following webinars contain information related to LGBTQ+ resources.

Screenshot of "Beyond the Binary: Understanding LGBTQIA+ Health"

Beyond the Binary: Understanding LGBTQIA+ Health

  • Recorded on August 9, 2023
  • Length of Time: 49 minutes
  • Speakers: April Wright (Network of the National Library of Medicine), Brandon Kennedy (Network of the National Library of Medicine), and Debra Trogdon-Livingston (Network of the National Library of Medicine)
Researching Women's, Gender, and LGBTQIA+ Perspectives at the Library of Congress

Researching Women's, Gender, and LGBTQIA+ Perspectives at the Library of Congress

  • Recorded on March 26, 2024
  • Length of Time: 55 minutes
  • Speaker: Meg Metcalf (Library of Congress)
Screenshot of "UNT's Trans Accessible Libraries Initiative"

UNT's Trans Accessible Libraries Initiative

  • Recorded on March 22, 2023
  • Length of Time: 40 minutes
  • Speakers: Julie Leuzinger (University of North Texas Libraries) and Coby Condrey (University of North Texas Libraries)
"We're Here, We're Queer, We're in the Public Record! LGBTQ Life and Culture as Seen Through Government Information"

We're Here, We're Queer, We're in the Public Record! LGBTQ Life and Culture as Seen Through Government Information

  • Recorded on June 20, 2024
  • Length of Time: 48 minutes
  • Speakers: Jesse Silva (UC Berkeley) and Kelly Smith (UC San Diego)

If interested in learning more about topics that related to, but not specifically about, LGBTQ+ resources, check out the following FDLP Resource Guides.

GovInfo.gov provides free public access to official publications from all three branches of the Federal Government. The following featured article contains resources on topics related to the LGBTQ+ community.

Screenshot of "LGBTQIA+ Pride Month"

LGBTQIA+ Pride Month

  • Learn about the history of Pride Month and check out highlighted legislation relating to the LGBTQIA+ community available in GovInfo, along with additional U.S. Government resources.

Learn more about the FDLP Official Logo Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP)
For questions or comments, contact the FDLP Resource Guides Team at @askGPO