Description

“Rainbow History: The LGBTQ+ People, Pride, and Progress that Shaped Our World.”

Did you know that trans and intersex folks are revered as special community leaders in many cultures?
Did you know some of the founders of modern science, medicine, nursing, and computing were all quietly part of the LGBTQ+ community?
Did you know that, at the same time that the Red Scare was rooting out supposed “communists,” the Lavender Scare was also blacklisting anyone suspected of being queer?
Do you want to know why none of these things are taught in school?

In Rainbow History, we will learn about the LGBTQ+ individuals and communities that have shaped human history — as well as how society shaped them. Beyond mere historical facts, we’ll learn about identity, intersectionality, and historical lenses. We will practice critical thinking, empathy, and self-reflection. Through discussion, reading, research, and creative projects, students will come to understand the rich history of queer struggle, triumph, and joy.

There are two versions of this course! Be sure you are signing up for the correct one!

The 8 week course is open to anyone 16+, including adults. It meets online once per week in the evenings. There will not be grades or excessive out-of-class work–we are just focused on learning!
The 16 week course is open only to high schoolers. It meets online twice per week during the day. There will be some homework and assessment, and learning will be much more in depth.

The next sections of this course will begin on January 12, 2026.

Disclaimer

We begin on the foundational premise that all bodies, gender identities, and sexualities are valid and deserve celebration. We reject the idea that these concepts are inappropriate in a classroom. Differences of opinion are natural, but spreading hate and misinformation will not be tolerated in this course.