26 Feb 2025
Celebrating Women’s History Month: Honoring LGBTQ+ Women and Their Contributions
March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements of women across history. While cisgender women’s contributions are often recognized, LGBTQ+ women have also played a crucial role in shaping social justice movements. Their leadership and activism have been essential in both the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality.
The Unique Contributions of LGBTQ+ Women
LGBTQ+ women have historically challenged societal norms, making significant impacts in activism, arts, and leadership. Their contributions include:
Audre Lorde – A Black Lesbian Feminist Icon
Poet, essayist, and civil rights activist Audre Lorde was a powerful social justice voice addressing race, gender, sexuality, and class. Her work continues to inspire feminists and LGBTQ+ activists alike.
Marsha P. Johnson – A Pioneer of LGBTQ+ Rights
A Black trans woman and drag queen, Johnson played a pivotal role in the 1969 Stonewall Uprising. As a co-founder of the Gay Liberation Front and Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR), she advocated for homeless LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly trans women of color.
Leslie Feinberg – A Trans Rights Trailblazer
Writer and activist Leslie Feinberg authored Stone Butch Blues, a groundbreaking novel exploring gender identity and the LGBTQ+ experience. Feinberg’s work helped shape discussions on transgender rights in the late 20th century.
Challenges Faced by LGBTQ+ Women
Despite their contributions, LGBTQ+ women still face unique challenges, including:
- Double Marginalization: LGBTQ+ women experience discrimination based on both gender and sexual orientation. Bisexual women, for instance, often feel overlooked in both heterosexual and LGBTQ+ spaces.
- Health Disparities: LGBTQ+ women are at a higher risk for mental health issues, substance abuse, and intimate partner violence, particularly women of color.
- Lack of Visibility: Many LGBTQ+ women’s stories remain sidelined in both feminist and LGBTQ+ movements, leaving their needs unaddressed in advocacy efforts.
Supporting LGBTQ+ Older Women: SAGE and SAGECare
LGBTQ+ older women, many of whom lived in eras when being out was dangerous, face distinct challenges in healthcare, aging, and social support. Organizations like SAGE (Services & Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Elders) work to address these needs.
SAGECare, a program of SAGE, provides specialized training for professionals serving LGBTQ+ older adults. Their training promotes:
- Understanding LGBTQ+ Women’s History: Recognizing the struggles of those who lived through the AIDS crisis and other pivotal movements.
- Addressing Healthcare Needs: Ensuring professionals are equipped to handle chronic health issues, mental health challenges, and substance abuse concerns specific to LGBTQ+ women.
- Creating Inclusive Spaces: Encouraging respectful language and acknowledging the importance of chosen family in LGBTQ+ elders’ lives.
Empowering LGBTQ+ Women Today and Tomorrow
Women’s History Month is a reminder to amplify LGBTQ+ women’s voices and ensure they receive the recognition, respect, and support they deserve. From historic figures like Audre Lorde and Marsha P. Johnson to organizations like SAGE, the fight for inclusion and equity must continue.
Get Involved with SAGECare
If you’re a healthcare provider, caregiver, or community leader, SAGECare offers LGBTQ+ cultural competency training to help create inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ older adults.
To learn more, email [email protected]. Let’s honor and empower LGBTQ+ women today and in the future.
