Hidden Voices: LGBTQ+ Stories in United States History

Hidden Voices: LGBTQ+ Stories in United States History examines individuals who questioned and broke the normed expectations of gender and/or sexuality, and who were therefore often “hidden” from the traditional historical record. These individuals influenced the social, political, cultural, and economic landscape of the United States in so many ways, and their contributions continue to shape our collective history and identity.  

The NYCDOE Department of Social Studies’ Hidden Voices project allows students to find their own voice as they become analysts of the past and make connections between the past and the present. Hidden Voices: LGBTQ+ Stories in United States History is a continuation of the original Hidden Voices: Untold Stories of New York City History volume. Both books supplement and are aligned to the Passport to Social Studies curriculum. The design and included resources allow teachers to integrate and explore inclusive learning experiences that validate the diverse perspectives and contributions of underrepresented individuals and groups in the LGBTQ+ community.

Hidden Voices: LGBTQ+ Stories in United States History is the product of a collaborative effort between the NYCDOE, multiple institutions, and scholars. The 20 individual profiles and five portraits of an era essays featured in this instructional resource are just some examples of the range of LGBTQ+ figures and events that can be integrated within the broader historical narrative and social studies curriculum.

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