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A Teacher in Virginia was fired after refusing to use a #transgender student’s #preferredpronouns, multiple outlets reported. On Thursday, members of The West Point Public Schools Board voted unanimously during a hearing to dismiss #PeterVlaming, noting that his actions were not only discriminatory but were also a form of harassment, according to The Virginian-Pilot. Following the school’s superintendent Laura Abel’s recommendation to let Vlaming go, the board voted 5-0 in support. Vlaming, of Williamsburg, who taught French at the school for at least seven years, had been on administrative leave since Oct. 31. His case drew a significant amount of support and backlash, with nearly 100 people showing up to his hearing. Before his release, Vlaming was allegedly told a number of times to use the student’s preferred pronoun of he but decided not to. The student, who has not been named, and the parents even met with Vlaming to express their concerns, The Virginian-Pilot reported.

October is LGBT History Month, a time dedicated to recognizing important moments in the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Encompassing a number of historically important days, this October is set to remind both the LGBT and wider communities of important roles LGBT people have taken in creating the social, legal, and political worlds we live in today. Check out this list of events...maybe they'll inspire you to get involved at your local community center. -Tanya Witt via GIPHY National Coming Out Day - October 11th : Every year on National Coming Out Day, we celebrate coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or as an ally. October 11, 2018 marks the 30th anniversary of National Coming Out Day. When people know someone who is LGBTQ, they are far more likely to support equality under the law. Every person who speaks up changes more hearts and minds, and creates new advocates for equality. International Pronouns Day - October 17th: Ref