American Museum of LGBTQ History

10/07/2026

Pope Francis made several public comments during his papacy concerning LGBTQ+ people, including remarks emphasizing that gay people are children of God and should be treated with dignity. His broader approach to LGBTQ+ issues often combined a call for pastoral inclusion with the Catholic Church’s longstanding teachings on marriage and sexuality. That distinction is important when discussing his record because his statements about welcoming LGBTQ+ people did not represent a change in every aspect of official Catholic doctrine. His comments nevertheless became significant because they were delivered by the leader of the Catholic Church and were frequently interpreted as a more welcoming tone toward LGBTQ+ people. The conversation around Francis reflected a tension between calls for greater inclusion and the Church’s existing teachings, making his words part of a much larger global discussion about faith, sexuality and human dignity.

10/07/2026

28 years ago tonight two cowards drove Matthew Shepard to a remote area outside Laramie, Wyoming. They robbed him, pistol-whipped him, and tortured him. Then they tied him to a split-rail fence and left him to die on a cold October night.

A cyclist found him 18 hours later. At first he thought he had found a scarecrow.

Matthew had multiple skull fractures and severe brainstem damage. Blood covered his face except where his tears had partially cleansed his skin.

He was 21, a student at the University of Wyoming. He died six days later, on October 12.

We'll always remember. Always.

10/01/2026

October is LGBTQ History Month, which celebrates the history and achievements of LGBTQ people.

Sound off in the comments below to give praise to LGBTQ pioneers, change makers, and trailblazers whose stories and achievements helped us get to where we are today. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

09/28/2026