9 Surprising and Fascinating LGBTQ+ History Facts You Probably Didn't Learn in School

LGBTQ+ History Month provides a perfect opportunity not just in celebrating but also in diving deep and discovering all those incredible stories that make up queer history. For far too long, these narratives have been hidden away from what's taught in our schools. Remember Section 28 in UK schools? It actively stopped any LGBTQ+ mentions in education. Still, when you look closely, you'll find queer history bursting with bravery, resilience, and moments worthy both hidden and celebrated.

So, let's dive in and explore nine fascinating facts about LGBTQ+ history that you probably didn't learn at school.

1. Did you know 'man' and 'girl' originally included everyone?

Back in time, our language was a lot more fluid. 'Girl' used just meant 'child,' regardless if they were a boy or a girl, up until around in 15th century. Boys were called "knaves girls," while girls were "gay girls." And "man"? That word was also once a catch-all term, used across genders.

2. Bet you didn't know early Christians recognized same-sex unions!

Who would've thought? In ancient times, churches did recognize early forms same-sex unions. There were ceremonies, like "adelphopoiesis," that bonded people together in ways that would remind you today's marriages, like with St. Sergius and St. Bacchus.

3. How 'gay' became what it means now

The journey "gay" has taken over centuries something else! Originally came from 12th-century French, meaning carefree, by later had a hint sexual immorality. Then, by 1950s, LGBTQ+ folks took it proudly, making it theirs both identity, although evidence suggests its LGBTQ+ connection began in late 19th century.

4. Little-known queer tales from Ancient Egypt

There's a myth about Horus and Seth in Ancient Egyptian tales that hints at queer expression. In their rivalry over Osiris' throne, there's flirting that leads a romantic encounter, showing us diverse sexual expression wasn't uncommon back in those days.

5. Niankknum and Khnumhotep: Love's timeless bond

If you ever get a chance, check out tomb Niankknum and Khnumhotep, two royal manicurists from 2,400 BC Egypt. Their epitaph says they were "joined in life and joined in death," pointing towards a deep connection, not unlike modern-day marriage. Love truly defies time.

6. We've used 'they' as a singular pronoun longer than you think

Literature icons like Shakespeare and Austen commonly used singular "they" before gendered pronouns took over in 19th century. It makes you wonder about arguments against inclusive language and how language always evolves and adapts.

7. Samurai took a stand in Japan's sodomy law era

When Japan briefly had a sodomy law from 1872-1882, samurai weren't having it. They pushed back, defending male-male relationships as their cultural tradition, illustrating how Western influences couldn't easily override Japan's history accepting diverse sexualities.

8. There was queer activism before Stonewall

Stonewall's iconic, but it wasn't beginning. Think back 1959, Los Angeles had its own Cooper's Donuts riot. Transgender and gender-diverse people were front and center, paving path LGBTQ+ rights movements that came after.

9. Gender diversity, ancient as Kangjiashimenji Petroglyphs

Dating back 3,000-4,000 years, Kangjiashimenji Petroglyphs feature gender non-conforming figures in sexual imagery. These ancient artworks remind us that diverse gender identities and sexual expressions have always been part human history.

All these points from LGBTQ+ history show how rich and varied queer experiences have been. By acknowledging and celebrating this history, we get a much deeper understanding our past and how it shapes our present and future.