Those Who Changed History but
Won’t Be in the History Books
by Nicholas Ferroni
As a history teacher, I have read and taught about every figure in our textbooks and curriculum. Some are more than deserving of their recognition and immortalization in school texts nationwide, while others just happen to be very lucky that they were chosen for one reason or another. Now, as a historian, I have found that, sadly, there are far more figures throughout history whose acts, though not mentioned in books, have changed the world and lives for the better. There are so many who, though they will not be featured in history textbooks or have monuments built in their names, are as deserving as those who do. Of course, it is impossible to give credit to all those who have contributed to the betterment of mankind, but it is our job as historians and educators to ensure that these individuals and their contributions are not forgotten or lost among those we choose to make sure are remembered.
Now, I am not going to be able to mention every single figure whose acts of courage and activism have progressed society and changed lives; that would be impossible. However, I am going to select a few who have not only helped the lives of so many gay people who have yet to be born but helped improve the lives of those, both young and old, who are in the midst of the gay rights movement, including the fight for marriage equality. As a