There are several commemorations and observances important to the LGBTQIA+ community during the month of October. All are occasions for celebration and reflection.
October: LGBTQIA+ History Month
October is LGBTQIA+ History Month, a time to honor the trailblazers who have shaped the movement for equality and to reflect on the ongoing fight for justice. From activists like Marsha P. Johnson and Harvey Milk, to countless everyday people who came out, organized, and cared for one another through times of crisis, LGBTQIA+ history is rich with courage and resilience. Recognizing this history is not only about remembering past struggles, but also about celebrating the contributions of LGBTQIA+ people in every field—arts, science, politics, healthcare, and beyond.
LGBTQIA+ History Month also calls us to action today. While progress has been made, many in our communities continue to face discrimination, health inequities, and threats to basic rights. By learning from the past and uplifting LGBTQIA+ voices, we can build a more inclusive future where every person can live authentically and safely. This month, we invite you to explore stories of LGBTQIA+ history, celebrate those who paved the way, and recommit to creating a world where everyone belongs.
October 11: National Coming Out Day
Every year on October 11, we celebrate National Coming Out Day—a day dedicated to honoring the courage it takes for LGBTQIA+ people to share who they are with the world. Coming out is a deeply personal journey, shaped by each person’s circumstances, community, and sense of safety. For some, it is a joyful and liberating milestone; for others, it can carry risk and uncertainty. National Coming Out Day reminds us that visibility matters and that every story, no matter how or when it is shared, helps build a culture of acceptance and belonging.
This day is also a call for allies to stand in solidarity. Whether by listening, offering support, or advocating for equal rights, allies play a critical role in creating safe environments where people feel free to live authentically. As we mark National Coming Out Day, let’s celebrate the bravery of those who have come out, honor those who cannot, and continue working together toward a future where everyone can be open about who they are without fear.
October 15: National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day
October 15 is National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day, a time to highlight the impact of HIV and AIDS within Latinx communities and to recommit to ending stigma and inequities in care. HIV continues to disproportionately affect Latinx people due to barriers such as limited access to healthcare, language obstacles, and systemic discrimination. This day serves as both a reminder of the challenges we face and a celebration of the strength, resilience, and advocacy within Latinx communities that have driven progress in prevention, testing, and treatment.
National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day also calls on all of us to take action—whether that means getting tested, talking openly about sexual health, or supporting organizations that provide culturally competent care. Ending HIV requires addressing not just the virus itself, but also the structural barriers that put communities at risk. By raising awareness, breaking down stigma, and expanding access to care, we can move closer to a future where HIV is no longer a public health crisis.
October 16: Spirit Day
Every October 16, millions of people wear purple on Spirit Day to take a visible stand against bullying and to show support for LGBTQIA+ youth. Launched in 2010, Spirit Day is now the largest, most recognizable anti-bullying campaign in the world. It’s a day to remind young people—especially those who are transgender, nonbinary, or otherwise marginalized—that they are valued, loved, and never alone. By joining in, individuals, schools, businesses, and organizations send a powerful message of solidarity and hope.
Spirit Day is also a call to action beyond just wearing purple. It challenges us all to create safer environments where LGBTQIA+ youth can thrive—whether that means speaking up against bullying, educating others, or advocating for inclusive policies. On Spirit Day, we not only honor the resilience of LGBTQIA+ young people but also recommit to building a culture where every child feels safe to be themselves. Together, we can transform schools, workplaces, and communities into spaces of acceptance and pride.
October 19 – 25: Asexual Awareness Week
Asexual Awareness Week, held each year in late October, is a time to recognize and celebrate the diversity of the asexual community. Asexuality, often referred to as “ace,” is a sexual orientation where someone experiences little to no sexual attraction. While many people are familiar with gay, lesbian, or bisexual identities, asexuality is still less widely understood, which can lead to invisibility or misconceptions. This week helps shine a light on ace voices, experiences, and the important role asexual people play in the broader LGBTQIA+ community.
Beyond visibility, Asexual Awareness Week is also about education and advocacy. It’s an opportunity to challenge stereotypes, share resources, and affirm that all identities on the asexual spectrum—whether demisexual, graysexual, or another experience—are valid and worthy of respect. By learning more and listening to ace perspectives, we can build a more inclusive world where people of all orientations feel seen and supported.
October 26 – November 1: Intersex Awareness Day & Week
Intersex Awareness Week, observed annually from October 26 through November 1, kicks off with Intersex Awareness Day and is a time to celebrate intersex people, raise awareness about intersex experiences, and advocate for equality and bodily autonomy. Intersex is an umbrella term for people born with physical sex characteristics—such as chromosomes, hormones, or anatomy—that don’t fit typical definitions of male or female. Too often, intersex people face stigma, misinformation, and medically unnecessary surgeries performed without consent. Intersex Awareness Week calls attention to these human rights issues while highlighting the need for education, inclusion, and respect for all bodies.
The week also honors Intersex Awareness Day on October 26, marking the anniversary of the first public demonstration by intersex people in 1996. It’s an opportunity for communities, organizations, and allies to learn more about intersex experiences, uplift intersex voices, and challenge harmful norms about sex and gender. By fostering understanding and visibility, Intersex Awareness Week reminds us that diversity in bodies and identities is natural—and that everyone deserves dignity, self-determination, and care free from discrimination or coercion.
We here at Fenway Health hope that you all take a chance to reflect and learn something new this October, whether you are part of the community or a friend, family member, or ally. We also hope that this month is a meaningful one, however you choose to celebrate it.