The Gay Agenda Project

Photo by Maria Orlova  (Instagram: @orlovamaria)

LGBTQ+ history is often self-taught within the community. Some are fortunate to be raised by those versed in the queer narrative, while others are not. 

“In order to see where we are going, we not only must remember where we have been, but we must understand where we have been.”

~Ella Baker, Civil Rights & Human Rights Leader

The LGBTQ+ community has used the anti-LGBT movement’s rhetoric of the “Gay Agenda” with satire and as a meme.

Members of the alphabet mafia would joke that the Gay Agenda includes turning all “straights” gay, praising Satan, and demanding that LGBTQ+ history be taught in public schools as items on our list.

But imagine if one of the agenda items mentioned were true. Of course I’m referring to adding LGBT history to the K-12 curriculum.

Sorry, Satan. Perhaps another time.

With all jokes aside, teaching the history of past and present LGBTQ+ role models and achievements is vital in forming a queer identity.

THe gay AGenda Project

This project aims to highlight achievements, important role models, and events that have defined the LGBTQ+ community worldwide. We can do this by sharing a calendar with important dates.

You can add our Google calendar with the following link. You can also suggest LGBTQ+ historical events with the our Google Form.

The Importance of queer history

History shapes the fabric of our identity. The tales – both factual and fiction – that we hear and the lessons passed down give rise to our culture.

Our parents may pass down family history or ethnic stories that influence our upbringing. For example, I learned Filipino culture through my grandparents’ mini-history lessons.

One of these lessons covered the three waves of imperialism the Philippines went through. My Lolo (grandpa) would tell me of how the Spanish rule impacted the Filipino language, surnames, and practice of faith.

But what is one to do if no one is there to teach them their history? 

LGBTQ+ history is often self-taught within the community. Some are fortunate to be raised by those versed in the queer narrative, while others are not. The youth may only know queer history from the limited representation in movies and tv shows. 

Queer folk find themselves on a journey similar to that of adoptees. Both groups are born to a set of practices and customs taught by their families. But it is up to the individual to seek out and learn a whole other cultural aspect of their identity from others. From a chosen family if you will.

Adoptees may go on a pilgrimage to the place of their birth to reconnect with their cultural heritage. I guess for the LGBTQ+, the closest we have to this adoptee experience is visiting the “gayborhoods” or gay villages and pride parades.  

Many non-fiction literature, campaigns, and policy changes have pushed the Gay Agenda’s education item forward in the past few decades. Names like Marsha P. Johnson, Alan Turing, and Margaret Cho are household names.

More US states are requiring schools to teach LGBTQ+ history. According to New America, there are six states that require history textbooks taught in K-12 to include “LGBTQ+ people and their identities.” The six states include the following: California (2011), New Jersey (2019), Colorado (2019), Oregon (2019), Illinois (2019), and Nevada (2021).

States like Illinois have recently implemented their LGBTQ+ History bill for the 2020-2021 school year. As a teacher in Chicago Public Schools, I know that change is slow. The pandemic may be a contributing factor, but there has been little to no talk on how to add LGBTQ+ history. 

Standards and guidance on resources to teach LGBT history lessons are needed. But for now, it is up to the teacher’s discretion on what lessons get added in.

 NEXT STEPS

Here are a few things you can do to help improve the inclusion of LGBTQ+ history in our education system:

1. Contact your representatives if your state doesn’t have a bill requiring the inclusion of LGBTQ+ history in the K-12 curriculum.
2. Hold your school boards and districts accountable for adding a new curriculum.
3. Be a part of the discussion. Whether that is forming committees to write the curriculum or talking to fellow parents on the importance of inclusion. 
4. Take it upon yourself to learn LGBTQ+ history and teach your kids. Mentioning names and awareness of Queer role models at a young age can help fight shame and hate against the LGBTQ+ community.