A celebrated achievement in LGBT history occured when Queen Beatrix signed a law making Netherlands the first country to legalize same-sex marriage. In the United Kingdom it has been observed during February since 2005 to coincide with the abolition of Section 28 in 2003, which had prohibited local authorities from 'promoting' homosexuality. It is observed during October in the United States, to include National Coming Out Day on October 11. This observance involves highlighting the history of the people, LGBT rights and related civil rights movements.

In 1994, the annual observance of LGBT History Month began in the United States, and it has since been picked up in other countries. What survives after many centuries of persecution-resulting in shame, suppression, and secrecy-has only in more recent decades been pursued and interwoven into more mainstream historical narratives. LGBT history dates back to the first recorded instances of same-sex love and sexuality of ancient civilizations, involving the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender ( LGBT) peoples and cultures around the world.