Historical Summary and Analysis

The historical events in LGBTQ+ and feminist history span across centuries and countries. Many historians focus on Western LGBTQ+ and feminist history and the contributions of White activists, ignoring or focusing less on the work done by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and international activists. This paints an incomplete picture of who received rights and when and the equalness in the work of activism itself. White feminism, a movement that focuses on straight and cisgender White women, ignores the intersectional identities that many women of color and marginalized women have. White feminism fights for the rights of just one type of woman. Also, feminist and LGBTQ+ history is often presented in a biased way in educational settings or not even taught at all. Ideologies such as white supremacy, patriotism, and Orientalism further the pushing of certain agendas. For example, history textbooks almost never mention the work done by Muslim feminists. We are always taught that Muslim women are helpless, oppressed, and live in backwards cultures with no means of change. Many people don't even realize that Indigenous people are still around, let alone know the work done by Indigenous feminists. It is up to not only historians and historical scholars, but to us to have discussions about how historical education and digital history is taught and accessed, and how we can combat one-sided narratives and experiences.