By: Susan Oser
NFBPWC Advocacy Team LGBTQ+ Lead 

October is LGBTQ+ History Month as well as Transgender empowerment month. Please  take the time to learn about this community and how you can be a good ally. I have a few  example links to get you started: 

10 things you can do to be an ally - https://straightforequality.org/resource/10-things you-can-do-to-be-an-ally/ 

10 things you can do to be an ally to people who are trans* - https://straightforequality.org/resource/10- things-trans-ally/ 

When Someone Comes Out: A PFLAGers Guide to Demonstrating Support and Acceptance Recording &  Training Toolkit - https://pflag.org/resource/pao-whensomeonecomesout/ 

Supporting Trans and Nonbinary Students: Speaking Up and Speaking Out - https://tinyurl.com/5ac5fcvk 

I am looking for contributing writers or anyone who wishes to help with the LGBTQ+ liaison community  and be on my team to help with articles. Next month, I will have a contribution from a member in  Pennsylvania. What about you? What LGBTQ+ stories are important in your area? Please submit to me at  soser@nfbpwc.org.  

Special PSA – 

September was Suicide Prevention Month. However, just because the month has ended does not mean the  awareness doesn’t. Around the holidays, it’s the most difficult for LGBTQ+ teens and other individuals who  are trying to find love an acceptance within their own family and group of friends. And when they can’t  find it or as a last result…well, you know what might be chosen. The following are a list of resources to keep  and share in your community: 

Helplines

➢ The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386 

➢ National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255 

➢ Ali Forney Day Center: (212) 206-0574 

➢ Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Info: (800) 342-AIDS (2437), Spanish service: (800)  344-7432, TDD service for the deaf: (800) 243-7889, [10:00am till 10:00pm EST, Monday through  Friday] 

➢ The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender National Hotline: (888) 843-4564 ➢ The GLBT National Youth Talkline (youth serving youth through age 25): (800) 246-7743 ➢ The National Runaway Switchboard: (800) RUNAWAY (786-2929) 

LGBTQ+ Dates for October – 

❖ October LGBT History Month, Trans Empowerment Month 

❖ October 8: International Lesbian Day 

❖ October 11 National Coming Out Day 

❖ October 15: National Latinx HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 

❖ October 19: National LGBT Center Awareness Day 

❖ October 20 International Pronoun Day 

❖ October 21 Spirit Day 

❖ October 24 Asexual Awareness Week 

❖ October 26 Intersex Awareness Day 

Good LGBTQ+ News– 

✓ Sarah McBride just won her primary & is likely to become the first trans member of Congress - https://tinyurl.com/ybdn3y7v 

✓ Transgender lives and joy are the center of new ACLU campaign 'Freedom to Be -  https://www.advocate.com/news/transgender-teen-joy-arizona 

✓ Uncover the hidden queer history of Old Hollywood with these streaming docs - https://tinyurl.com/3hjrc92m 

If you have any news or leads on anything related to LGBTQ+ news, issues, and organizations, please contact  Sue Oser at soser@nfbpwc.org. If you would like to help Susan educate on these issues, please let her know  as well. She is also available for presentations and any questions you may have.