LGBT History Month 2011

One of the first openly gay rabbis, Denise Eger served as rabbi for the world’s first gay and lesbian synagogue. She is the first female and the first openly gay president of the Board of Rabbis of Southern California. [ Read more → ]

Alan Cumming is an award-winning film, television and stage actor. He has appeared in more than 100 films and television series, as well as major theatrical productions in London and on Broadway. [ Read more → ]

Aaron Copland was a world-renowned composer, teacher, writer and conductor. He was a key figure in forming the early 20th century American style of music and composition. [ Read more → ]

Lt. Dan Choi is a West Point graduate, Iraq War veteran and Arabic linguist. He was the nation’s leading activist for the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT). [ Read more → ]

An author and screenwriter, Rita Mae Brown is best known for her semi-autobiographical lesbian-themed novel, “Rubyfruit Jungle.” She is a groundbreaking activist for lesbian and civil rights. [ Read more → ]

Keith Boykin, Commentator b. August 28, 1965 “I'm not on a show with a pink triangle or rainbow flag -- which means that being gay is just a part of who I am.” [caption id="attachment_36166" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="Keith Boykin"][/caption] Keith Boykin is a political commentator,... [ Read more → ]

Dustin Lance Black, Screenwriter b. June 10, 1974 “I heard the story of Harvey Milk and it gave me hope that I could live my life openly as who I am.” [caption id="attachment_36123" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="Dustin Lance Black"][/caption] Dustin Lance Black is a screenwriter, director... [ Read more → ]

John Berry is the director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). He is the highest-ranking openly gay federal employee in U.S. history. [ Read more → ]

Alison Bechdel is a celebrated cartoonist and author of the long-running comic strip, “Dykes To Watch Out For.” Her groundbreaking graphic memoir, “Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic,” was awarded the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Comic Book. [ Read more → ]

John Ashbery is one of the most successful 20th century poets. He has won almost every major American literary award, including the 1975 Pulitzer Prize for poetry. [ Read more → ]

Kye Allums is the first openly transgender athlete to play NCAA Division I college basketball. Allums was a star shooting guard on the George Washington University (GWU) women’s basketball team. [ Read more → ]