What is LGBT History Month?

LGBT History Month is an annual month-long celebration of 2SLGBTQIA+ people during the history of the gay rights and civil rights movements, and creating greater community acceptance. 2SLGBTQIA+ is an acronym for Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and the + reflects the countless affirmative ways in which people choose to self-identify.

How to teach about LGBTQ in special education classes

It is important to recognize LGBTQ History Month within schools because it provides role models, builds community and informs students of all the amazing national and international contributions from LGBTQ people in the present day and within history. Sometimes it is challenging to teach these important topics in a special education class or autism class.

Adapted Book for Special Education

So I thought it would be beneficial to create an Adapted Book for Special Education with simple descriptions and pictures of many notable LGBT people. Each page highlights 1 person who identifies as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. A simple description is included to explain some of the amazing things they have done for the LGBT community!

The 2SLGBTQIA+ Adapted Book for Special Education highlights 9 people:

1) Leonardo da Vinci: A famous artist who is known for painting the Mona Lisa. He also painted and drew about helicopters and airplanes before they were even created! This led to the creation of new aviation inventions that we have today.

2) Barbara Gittings: She was a widely known LGBT activist who fought very hard for LGBT equality in the community. During her time, it was not accepted for gay people to be openly who they are or to even enter certain places (ex. library). She also protested to remove homosexuality as a mental illness from the law.

3) Ellen DeGeneres: Ellen DeGeneres is a comedian, TV talk show host, actress, writer and producer. She has helped many people become more accepting of homosexuality due to her high influence on TV. She openly speaks out for gay rights and acceptance.

4) Gilbert Baker is an activist, designer and artist. He was the creator of the rainbow flag that is known for 2SLGBTQI+ rights. A famous quote of his about the pride flag is as follows:

"What I liked about the rainbow

is that it fits all of us.

It’s all the colors.

It represents all the genders.

It represents all the races.

It’s the rainbow of humanity.”

5) Larry Kramer fought for organ transplants for people with HIV. He was also very vocal about the unfair treatment of the gay community and participated in numerous forms of activism.

6) Billie Jean King was a tennis player and the first openly gay athlete. She was formerly a world number 1 tennis player, winning numerous major titles. Having gay representation in sports is huge for young people to look up to.

7) Sylvia Rivera protested to support vulnerable LGBTQ homeless youth. She did a lot of work to fight against gender identity discrimination. She cofounded STAR (Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries).

8) Laverne Cox is a famous transgender actress and activist. She has used her fame and platform to become a vocal advocate for her community: trans women of colour and other members of the LGBTQIA community, 

9) RuPaul Charles helped make drag supported by mainstream viewers with his show RuPaul’s Drag Race. He uses his platform to educate others of LGBTQ+ pronouns, gender identities and rights.

LGBTQ Research Report Template

It is then followed up with a LGBTQ Research Report where students can choose 1 person to write about. There are pictures that students can cut and paste into the boxes, then write a short sentence about their learning. This activity can be sent home or even posted on a bulletin board for other students to flip through and learn something new in the hallway!

How to use this LGBTQ activity

• Student selects which person they want to write about (Slide 24)
• Front page: Student glues the picture of the person and writes their name.
• Second page: Student glues the picture of the person and writes the person’s name on the line.
• Last page: Student cuts out and glues what the person has done for the world. Student writes a brief description of what the person has done on the line. The student can use the adapted book for information on this OR they can do their own research on Google.  
• Staple them together on the top like in the example (Slide 19)

How to get your hands on this printable

LGBT History Month activity?

Download at

Individualized Visuals on Teachers Pay Teachers

How are YOU recognizing LBGT History Month in your classroom?

Comment below what amazing activities you have planned

and also what grade(s) you teach!

I would love to know :)

Have a wonderful weekend,

Kristi

Individualized Visuals