Introduction Paragraph:

  

   A limited number of people have heard or even have access to information about LGBTQ+ history. Only two states have standards on the subject and is only within select history courses in college. One of the biggest obstacles to increasing the amount of available information is how much of it has been erased. Oxford Dictionary defines erasure as “the removal of writing, recorded material, or data.” Erasure has affected the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and those with similar identities within the community (LGBTQ+) for thousands of years. It has kept queer individuals on the edge of society, history, and legality. Erasure even exists within families. When a loved one comes out as LGBTQ+ a family can react a number of ways. Many of these response are stemmed in a desire to protect the individual or the family. Some responses have lasting negative effects on a person. Much of homophobia and transphobia stems from the associations queer people have with being promiscuous. This has led to criminalization of people with these identities. Throughout history, LGBTQ+ individuals have fought against this. The close relationship between colonialism and erasure is also being challenged. Queer history is not being recognized in national landmarks. Historians have intentionally and unintentionally dismissed LGBTQ+ identities in history. What little research and literature exists has been edited or destroyed. There are still methods available to improve erasure on personal and systemic levels. There are many facets to erasure and there are just as many ways to challenge it.