Date:         Thu, 2 Nov 1995 09:02:54 -0500
From: Bob Summersgill <summers@Rt66.com>

On Friday, October 27, 1995, Mayor Martin Chavez of Albuquerque, NM issued
a Proclamation declaring October as Lesbian and Gay History Month in
recognition of the diversity of the community many important contributions
to the well-being of the community made by gay, lesbian, and bisexual
people.

Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual History Month began with an original concept by
Rodney Wilson, a St. Louis high school teacher who was appalled at the
failure of his 800 page textbook to mention any lesbian, gay, or bisexual
history whatsoever. Wilson organized a grass-roots network of teachers and
community members across the country who began working to see October
recognized as Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual History Month.

Inspired by such existing celebrations as Black History Month (February)
and Women's History Month (March), organizers sought to create a time
during the academic year when special attention could be focused on the
contributions of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people to world history.
October was chosen as the month in which to celebrate this history in order
that the celebration build on existing traditions like National Coming Out
Day (October 11), and to honor the October anniversaries of the first two
marches on Washington organized by gay, lesbian, and bisexual activists (in
1979 and 1987). Many national organizations, including the National
Education Association, and political leaders have endorsed this idea
leading to this second annual celebration.

Please thank the Mayor for his continued support of Lesbian and Gay people
in Albuquerque.

He can be reached at his new email address: mayor@cabq.gov


Here is the text of the Proclamation:


Proclamation

WHEREAS, New Mexico benefits from its great diversity of cultures and
people; and

WHEREAS, the people of Albuquerque recognize the contributions of all
people who have helped build our society;

WHEREAS, Lesbian and Gay people have made important contributions to our
society since its foundation; and

WHEREAS, October 1995 is celebrated as the second National Lesbian and Gay
History Month; and

WHEREAS, October 11, 1995 is celebrated as Coming Out Day, founded seven
years ago by a New Mexico resident, Dr. Robert H. Eichberg, who died
earlier this year; and

WHEREAS, 1995 is the twenty-sixth anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion,
which marked the beginning of the modern Lesbian and Gay liberation
movement in the United States; and

WHEREAS, all people benefit from a better understanding of the history's of
all cultures; and

NOW THEREFORE, I, Martin J. Ch=E1vez, Mayor of the City of Albuquerque, do
hereby declare October as

Lesbian and Gay History Month

in the City of Albuquerque.

Bob Summersgill  summers@rt66.com
http://rt66.com/summers/bob.html