As we enter LGBTQ+ History Month amid a pivotal presidential election, it's crucial to reflect on the journey of the LGBTQ+ community—a history marked by profound progress and enduring challenges. From the shadows of discrimination to the bright lights of equality, this community has navigated a path defined by resilience, courage and the unwavering pursuit of justice.

The story begins in the mid-20th century, where attitudes toward homosexuality were clouded by misunderstanding and fear. In 1948, the Kinsey Reports emerged as groundbreaking studies that sought to illuminate the complexities of human sexuality. Alfred Kinsey, a biologist and sexologist, aimed to dispel myths and shed light on male and female homosexuality. While these reports were groundbreaking for their time, they also contributed to a stigma that treated homosexuality as a pathology. The subsequent classification of homosexuality as a mental disorder by the American Psychiatric Association in 1952 underscored the deep-seated prejudices embedded in society and institutional policies. This classification persisted for decades, perpetuating discrimination and marginalization of LGBTQ+ individuals.