Proclamation of LGBT History Month

During a 1994 lesson on the Holocaust, Mehlville High School teacher Rodney Wilson told his students that had he lived in Nazi Germany, he would have been targeted because he is gay. His revelation generated controversy, leading to unsuccessful calls that he be fired. Wilson originated the idea of LGBT History Month, which is celebrated each October. He was a pioneer in the study of St. Louis LGBTQIA+ history and is the author of the first scholarly article on the topic to appear in Gateway, the journal of the Missouri Historical Society.

Object Title and Accession Number

Proclamation of LGBT History Month, signed by St. Louis mayor Freeman R. Bosley Jr., October 1995. A3237-00001.

Official document titled "proclamation"

An official document titled "Proclamation" from the Office of the Mayor, City of St. Louis, recognizing contributions of the gay and lesbian community. It features a gold seal, signature, and decorative typography.