Women’s History Month- Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Women
March is Women’s History Month, and this serves as a time to reflect on the accomplishments, struggles, and contributions of women. There are many notorious women who are celebrated during this time, but we wanted to dive deeper into the narratives of those whose stories have been overlooked. LGBTQIA+ women, in particular, are often underestimated in their role in shaping and contributing to the history and progress of women’s rights. Let’s highlight these important women and learn from their stories.
Breaking Boundaries:
LGBTQIA+ women have been breaking boundaries and challenging societal norms for centuries. Whether it’s in the realm of politics, activism, or the arts, their contributions have been instrumental in pushing the needle forward.
Marsha P. Johnson, a transgender woman of color and prominent figure in the Stonewall uprising, laid the groundwork for the LGBTQIA+ rights movement. She also co-founded Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR), an organization dedicated to sheltering houseless LGBTQIA+ youth. Johnson’s impact can still be felt today, as her legacy and name are evoked in the names of LGBTQIA+ organizations, by projects that collect resources for trans people, and through the work of activists that seek to end violence against Black trans femmes.
Intersectionality in Action:
Being both a woman and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community has made these women work even harder to overcome adversity and advocate for a more inclusive and equitable society.
Audre Lorde, a lesbian poet and civil rights activist, highlighted the importance of recognizing and embracing differences within the feminist movement. Her work emphasized that the fight for women’s rights must encompass the diverse experiences of all women, including those who identify as LGBTQIA+.
Legal Pioneers:
LGBTQIA+ women have also fought legal battles that have advanced women’s rights.
Edie Windsor was a lesbian activist who became a central figure in the fight against the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), ultimately leading to the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in 2013, which granted same-sex couples’ federal recognition. These legal victories not only benefited the LGBTQIA+ community but also contributed to the broader fight for gender equality.
Cultural Contributions:
Musicians, Tegan and Sara, have used their platforms to advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility. The Tegan and Sara Foundations’ mission is to improve the lives of LGBTQIA+ women and girls. This mission is founded on a commitment to feminism and racial, social and gender justice. These cultural contributions serve as powerful tools for challenging stereotypes and creating understanding.
Equality Careers Values Women
Equality Careers offers a specialized job board tailored to the unique needs of LGBTQIA+ women. This platform is dedicated to connecting talented individuals with inclusive employers who value diversity. Equality Careers actively contributes to breaking down barriers and promoting equality in the workplace. In doing so, Equality Careers becomes an integral part of the ongoing narrative of LGBTQIA+ women’s contributions to shaping the landscape of women’s rights.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month let’s remember the history and progress of women’s rights by acknowledging their stories, learning from their challenges, and continuing the fight for equality.