Past and Present LGBTQIA+ History at the U.S. Department of State
RegisterDid you know that October is LGBTQIA+ History Month?
LGBTQIA+ History Month was founded in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high school teacher. He chose October to teach this history because schools are in session and includes Coming Out Day, celebrated on October 11.
In honor of this month, the National Museum of American Diplomacy (NMAD) is hosting a conversation with glifaa, the organization that represents Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) personnel and their families in foreign affairs agencies.
In this conversation, we will discuss the history of LGBTQIA+ advocacy at the State Department, from the Lavender Scare to the issues of today. We will also share how LGBTQIA+ identifying diplomats have impacted foreign policy for decades, with a particular emphasis on the glifaa’s current advocacy. The conversation will be moderated by NMAD’s Public Historian, Dr. Alison Mann, and she will also offer a sneak peek at how the Department’s LGBTQIA+ history will be presented in our future museum galleries.
At the conclusion of the event, guests are invited to view our preview exhibit, Diplomacy Is Our Mission, until 1:30 pm.
NMAD is located at 330 21st St NW, Washington, DC 20006, in the Harry S Truman Building. Visitors must enter at the 21st Street entrance to the U.S. Department of State (the glass building on 21st Street between D Street and C Street, NW). The talk will take place downstairs in the lower level. On the day of the program, please arrive by 12:00 pm (noon) to allow time for security. A government-issued photo ID is required for entry.
Please RSVP by October 6, 2023.
For further information or if you require reasonable accommodations to attend the event, please contact Emma Guyette at guyettee@state.gov.