By William Cameron
We are witnessing an era where misinformation, fear, and legislative attacks seek to strip away our rights, dignity, and visibility. But there is one thing those forces cannot erase: our history. Queer history is not just a record of the past; it is a weapon of truth, a testament to resilience, and a roadmap for change. By teaching our history boldly, we can shift perspectives, challenge hate, and win over hearts in ways debates and policies alone never could.
Take, for example, the history of drag. Today, drag has been turned into a political battleground, with right-wing extremists weaponizing it to stoke fear and justify oppressive laws. But drag has always been revolutionary. From the gender-defying performances in the speakeasies of the 1920s to the radical queens of Stonewall who fought back against police brutality, drag has long been a site of resistance. It was never just about entertainment—it was about survival, defiance, and joy in the face of oppression. When people understand that the roots of drag are deeply entwined with the fight for LGBTQ rights, it becomes harder to vilify. Education turns fear into understanding.
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Similarly, LGBTQ political art has long been a powerful force in shifting public consciousness. From the ACT UP posters that demanded action during the AIDS crisis to the bold street murals of queer liberation today, art has a way of reaching people beyond political rhetoric. Keith Haring’s electrified figures, David Wojnarowicz’s visceral rage, and the pink triangle reclaimed from Nazi persecution—all of these have shaped how the world sees LGBTQ people, not as villains or strangers, but as human beings demanding dignity. Art forces people to feel, to empathize, and to confront truths they might otherwise ignore. In a time when LGBTQ identities are under relentless attack, political art remains a battlefield where history speaks directly to the present.
One of the most powerful examples of history in the making is the recent groundbreaking victory of Congresswoman Sarah McBride. As the first openly transgender member of Congress, her election is a beacon of hope and a testament to the progress made through generations of activism. McBride’s win is not just a political triumph; it is living proof that LGBTQ representation is unstoppable. Her presence in Congress challenges the narrative that trans people should be pushed to the margins and asserts that they belong at the highest levels of government. When we teach young people about figures like McBride, we offer role models who prove authenticity and leadership go hand in hand.
But queer history stretches far beyond modern Western narratives. Long before colonization imposed binary norms, Native American Two-Spirit people thrived in societies that honored their existence. Many Indigenous cultures recognized Two-Spirit individuals as healers, visionaries, and integral members of their communities. Colonialism sought to erase these identities, just as today’s lawmakers seek to erase trans and nonbinary people from public life. By teaching the history of Two-Spirit people, we reaffirm the existence of gender diversity throughout history and challenge the idea that LGBTQ identities are a modern “trend” or Western invention. Queer people have always been here, and we always will be.
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At Metromode Magazine, we believe history is not just about remembering—it’s about resisting. In this political moment, knowledge is more than power; it is a shield against ignorance and a sword against oppression. Teaching queer history is not just an act of education but an act of defiance. When we tell our stories, we do more than preserve the past—we change the future. And in a time when so many are working to silence us, that act of truth-telling is one of the most radical things we can do.
Stay loud, stay proud, and keep telling our stories.
William Cameron
Owner & Publisher
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About the author
With a 25-year background in print advertising sales and publishing, a love for art and design, and steadfast determination, William has helped develop and execute the successful launch of three publications over his career; METROMODE being his own. As the Creative Director, he sets the brand's vision and leads a talented team of writers while bringing his creative abilities (16-years in graphic design) to designing each issue.