The parades started in the 1970s, not too long after the Stonewall Riots in NYC in 1969. At first, they were sparsely attended, but over the years, they have grown into major events, attracting thousands of joyous attendees, media attention and much corporate sponsorship.

Here in the greater LA area, we have no fewer than eight LGBT events within close proximity and probably another 4 or 5 within a couple hours driving distance. Everyone seems very, (dare I say?) well, gay, at these happy events, carrying rainbow flags and wearing multi-colored Mardi Gras beads. I have been to many a parade in my day, and some have been wonderful uplifting events and others have been problematic with conservative religious zealots protesting. But regardless, we gather each June and celebrate who we are and what we do and we’re so darn “happy” about it!

Happy people and happy days both celebrating in June; here’s one way to help LGBT people celebrate even further: purchase a PridePoster for your favorite L, G, B or T! That’s right, a customized poster that features about a dozen famous gay men or lesbians or bi-sexuals or transgenders along with the LGBT person that you would like to honor and recognize.

We take an optional photo and some narrative text of your “giftee” and we craft that into a poster that features the likes of Oscar Wilde, Rock Hudson, Harvey Fierstein, Leonard Bernstein and Michaelangleo (plus 7 others) to a unique and handsome gift for your favorite gay guy.

On the Famous Lesbians PridePoster, we have k.d. lang, Lily Tomlin, Florence Nightingale, Ellen DeGeneres and Sappho (plus 7 others) to put your dyke friend next to on a great 11×14 inch poster with them as the centerpiece.

We also have posters for African American gay men and lesbians as well as the aforementioned posters for Bi-sexuals and Transfolk. They start at just $34.95 and make a great gift for that hard to shop for person in your life. Mention code “Pride09″ and great free shipping and handling PLUS 10% off your total order! What a great deal!

Also, the many posters we have at the website would perfect gifts for the above-listed Dads, Grads and Brides & Grooms, we’re just sayin’… (although regretfully, we do NOT have a poster for folks with hay fever).

The point of all this is that much of Black American history is being lost or tossed aside at a rapid pace. Add to that the pernicious plague of racism in culture and history and that’s a recipe for disaster, IMHO. However, if you are interested in celebrating the history of your family members, then look no further!

At YourPersonalPoster.com, we have posters that celebrate African American Moms, Dads and Women, plus all types of professions, hobbies, interests and schools. So, if you would like to preserve some African American history of your own, visit our site and order a poster today for those special people in your family.

For instance, our Famous African American Moms poster features Madam C.J. Walker, Alice Walker, Marian Wright Edelman, Toni Morrison, and five others. The Famous African American Dads poster highlights Barack Obama, Denzel Washington, Colin Powell, Louis Armstrong and five more famous dads. And the YouGoGirl African American poster showcases Harriet Tubman, Audre Lorde, Sheryl Swopes, Maya Angelou and seven more incredible women of note.

In fact, order one before April 10th and receive 10% off and FREE shipping (a $6.95 value!). Just enter in code “AAHistory10.” Remember, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Graduation on looming large on the gift giving horizon, so plan ahead and get the gift that makes them feel very special and makes you a “Gifting Hero!”

http://www.survivorposters.com/shop/item.php?item_id=214&category_id=46

http://www.survivorposters.com/shop/item.php?item_id=218&category_id=47

Before the 1970’s, the topic of women’s history was largely missing from general public consciousness. To address this situation, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women initiated a “Women’s History Week” celebration in 1978 and chose the week of March 8 to coincide with International Women’s Day.

The celebration was met with positive response, and schools began to host their own Women’s History Week programs. The next year, leaders from the California group shared their project at a Women’s History Institute at Sarah Lawrence College. Other participants not only became determined to begin their own local Women’s History Week projects but also agreed to support an effort to have Congress declare a national Women’s History Week.

In 1981, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Rep. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) cosponsored the first Joint Congressional Resolution proclaiming a “Women’s History Week.”

In 1987, the National Women’s History Project petitioned Congress to expand the celebration to the entire month of March. Since then, the National Women’s History Month Resolution has been approved every year with bipartisan support in both the House and Senate.

Click here for information from the National Women’s History Project.

Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet

In 2009, the National Women’s History Project honors women who have taken the lead in the environmental or “green” movement. Rachel Carson, the founder of the contemporary environmental movement, serves as the iconic model of the theme, which recognizes scientists, engineers, business leaders, writers, filmmakers, conservationists, teachers, community organizers, religious or workplace leaders, or others whose lives show exceptional vision and leadership to save the planet.

I bring this up only because the very best way I know of to celebrate special women in your life is to design and order them a YouGoGirl Poster from our humble website. With luminaries such as author Gloria Steinem, astronaut Sally Ride, pilot Harriet Quimby (on the Anglo poster), how about putting your mom on one of these great posters?

Or with tennis pro Rosie Casals, labor activist Delores Huerta, singer/songwriter Joan Baez on the Hispanic poster, your favorite niece might be a good candidate for this outstanding gift.

Entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker, writer Maya Angelou, and Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders grace the African American poster and would be a rocking tribute to your best friend.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we will gladly extend a 20% discount on any YouGoGirl Poster. Use the code “WHMBlog20″ to get your discount today!

“Dear Angela,

Thank you for sending me such a beautiful and inspiring poster. Your personal endeavor is such a thoughtful way of honoring extraordinary individuals. It is so sweet to think of me and I wish you much continued success.”

Well, talk about makin’ my day! A little external validation never hurt anyone I always say. And just in case you were wondering, she did actually sign it, and didn’t use the auto-pen.

And speaking of external validation, a YouGoGirlPoster would be such a great gift for your sister or best friend (perhaps they are one and the same?). No worries, order one for each, if you must. We have these fabulous posters featuring famous women in Anglo, African American and Hispanic varieties. You can upload a photo of your best friend and enter in some data about her and we’ll take care of the rest.

Within a short time, we will deliver a great present to your designated “giftee.” Nothing could be easier. We’re just saying…