In the last klatch I attended, we discussed the importance of our history, the history of the LGBTQ+ community. I am new to the group (and community), and I don’t have historical information to contribute. However, I have an appreciation for our history that I would like to share.

Ever since I came out as non-binary, I’ve found that very few people know how to interact with non-binary people. I am treated many different ways, but respect seems elusive. When educating myself on how to handle these interactions, I find valuable information in history.

From history, I can learn how other marginalized groups have persevered, how they made their presence known, and how they fought for public tolerance while being unapologetically authentic. From the past, I can learn how to navigate my present reality.

Those pioneers of the past inspire me to follow in their footsteps, even though it would be easier to just blend in. Learning about how people of the past overcame adversity inspires me to advocate for the non-cisgender community in everyday life.  If those folks hadn’t done what they did, I may not have had the freedom to come out in the first place. They paved the way for me, and it’s my responsibility to carry on the tradition.

Learning about LGBTQ+ history connects me to the LGBTQ+ community, and inspires me to be my best, most authentic self. I thank the pioneers of the past for their work, and I honor that work by continuing it.