The month of October has come and gone, taking LGBTQ month with it. Many institutions and organizations celebrated the month. Among those celebrating were Historically Black Colleges and Universities, taking time to reflect on the community's rich history and honor those who tirelessly fought for LGBTQ equality.

Maryland's oldest HBCU, Bowie State invited gay rights pioneer Paul Kuntzler to speak on campus about the connections between the LGBTQ movement and the black civil rights movement of the 1950s and '60s. For many students, it was a chance to learn about the fight that got us where we are today.

Over at Fayetteville State University (FSU) in North Carolina, a celebratory event on National Coming Out Day was held. They also hosted a group dialogue where students shared personal stories about being out on campus and how this is something that needs to be talked about more within the black community. For many students, the support system from family members just isn't there. Talking about it openly on campus can lead to a new support system they've been seeking forever.

Other universities, such as Morehouse College, had students spearheading LGBTQ educational efforts on campus. Groups such as Morehouse Safe Space look to enhance the affirmation of students at Morehouse who represent various genders and sexual identities. 

This is an amazing effort because so often, the struggle of black people and gay people intersect without getting the historical acknowledgement it deserves. 

“LGBTQ History Month offers a formal recognition of the many contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer folks and sheds light on the struggles and accomplishments of the fight for equality,” Emily Lenning, an FSU professor and a consultant for the school's Safezone Program, concludes… “FSU has lived that purpose by identifying and recognizing the needs of our LGBTQ students and by setting an example for other HBCUs to follow. I think it is especially important to recognize the efforts of HBCUs, [their] important contributions to black LGBTQ history, and [how they] challenge other minority-serving institutions to stand on the right side of history.”

Next year we hope to see even more HBCUs involved in the conversation.