Men, women, transgender, and nonbinary persons have fought for the last sixty years to be seen and treated as everyone else is treated. Resources and discussion questions have been curated for Middle and High School students.
History of the LGBTQ movement and early activists.
This film, The Top 10 Important LGBTQ Movements in US History, looks at the most important LGBTQ milestones in US History. These moments include the Stonewall Riots, the first Pride parade, the publishing of The Transsexual Phenomenon, the passing of the Matthew Shepard Act, and more. Although the introduction of bills and laws is definitely monumental, the filmmakers have chosen to exclude events like the introduction of the Equality Act and instead focus on the legislation once they have been passed.
Top 10 Important LGBTQ Movements In US History
In honor of Pride month, this film looks at at the most important LGBTQ milestones in US History. (10:30 min.)
Discuss how the way society deals with LGBTQ+ issues has changed.
Marsha P. Johnson was an American gay liberation activist who was a prominent figure in the Stonewall Uprising of 1969. After learning about Marcha P. Johnson, research the Stonewall Uprising. Who were others involved? Share their story with MY HERO.
In 1978, Harvey Milk was one of the first gay public officials in San Fransisco. His dream was for a better tomorrow filled with hope for equality and a world without hate. It is recommended students read the essay and research Harvey Milk. Discuss how he was influential as an early LGBT activist. Do you know anyone in your community who is a LGBT activist? Consider sharing that story with MY HERO.
Story written by a student from San Diego.
Harvey Milk was an American politician and first openly gay elected official in California who advocated for gay rights
The Mayor of Castro Street: The Triumphs and Tragedies of Harvey Milk
Short Film The Mayor of Castro Street: The Triumphs and Tragedies of Harvey Milk Is Recommended for High School Students (10 min.)
Harry Hay was an American Gay Rights Activist and the co-founder of Mattachine Society, the first sustained gay rights group in the United States.
"Out of the mists of our long oppression,
We bring love for ourselves and each other,
And love for the gifts we bear,
So heavy and so painful the fashioning of them,
So long the road given us to travel them. A separate people,
We bring a gift to celebrate each other,
'Tis a gift to be gay!
Feel the pride of it!"
- Harry Hay -
Learn about Karl Heinrich Ulrichs - the first known activist for gay rights and Lili Elbe who was one of the first transgender women to receive sex reassignment surgery.
Karl Heinrich Ulrichs was the first known activist for gay rights.
Lili Elbe was one of the first transgender women to receive sex reassignment surgery.
Alan Turing is known as the Father of Computer Science for developing the idea for the first computer and a test for artificial intelligence. The first story has text and audio allowing students to listen as they read along.
Alan Turing was a brilliant British scientist and mathematician who laid the theoretical groundwork for the first computer. (Story with text and audio)
Detailed story about Alan Turing.
How was each of the individuals in the stories and portraits of trailblazers and early LGBT activists?
Do you know anyone in your community who is an LGBT activist? Share their story with MY HERO.
Janet Miller is a teacher at Hoover Middle School who wanted to create a safe learning environment for all students regardless of their sexuality.
Janet Miller
Janet Miller leads her students to stand up for their LGBT peers. (6:48 min.)
After watching the movie and reading the story, students discuss the benefits of a Gay Straight Alliance and what they can do to ensure their school is accepting and supportive of all members of their community. Share your story with MY HERO.
Short Films
Students watch the film, I Have Four Parents, about Daniel Roy who has four parents: two moms and two dads. They're not divorced and he is not adopted. His dads are gay and his moms are lesbian. The two couples had been friends for many years and then decided to have a child and co-parent.
After viewing the film, discuss the different structures of student families in your class.
Selection of Short Films
Nine LGBTQ+ senior citizens share their experiences, including coming out stories, life during the HIV/AIDS crisis, and advice. (11:37 min)
Austin Police Department & LGPOA: It Gets Better
The Lesbian & Gay Peace Officers Association sends a message to LGBTQ youth that it does get better. (7:22 min)
An interview with Georgia Bridgers, a YouTuber, on how she uses her channel to promote LGBT acceptance. (3:05 min)
Donald Bird and David Young have married each other three times (5:30 min)
Short Films About Transgender Youth
Experimental short film made to visually accompany the original poem "Becoming Oliver" written by Oliver Marino. (8:27 min)
Each day, different people experience and view the world through entirely different lenses, based on those identities. Often, we forget that this is the case. (11:05 min)
The Toothmans
Deb and Jim Toothman and their transgender daughter Cooper Toothman, talk about their struggles with acceptance both within their family and in the community. (7:53 min)
What is your reaction to the opinions expressed in these films? Do you know anyone who is transgender, or a family with a transgender member? Share their story with MY HERO.
Selection of Stories
Felix Gonzalez-Torres was a Cuban American visual artist whose work reflected the LGBT community and the AIDS epidemic. (Story with Text and Audio)
Freddie Mercury was the memorable lead singer of the band Queen.
Selection of Artwork
Henry "Harry" Hay, Jr. was a prominent American gay rights activist, communist, labor advocate, and Native American civil rights campaigner.
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This LGBTQ+ resource was created by MY HERO Education Outreach Director Laura Nietzer. |
Students can share their Hero Essays, Films and Art through our Create Program
How to use MY HERO's Create Program to Publish Stories, Art, Film and Audio for Students
Tutorial for students: Publish written stories, film, original artwork and audio in MY HERO's multimedia library.
Organizer created on 6/29/2022 9:15:19 AM by Laura Nietzer
Last edited 9/17/2024 12:47:04 PM by Laura Nietzer
