In 1994, the annual observance of LGBT History Month began in the United States, and it has since been picked up in other countries. What survives after many centuries of persecution-resulting in shame, suppression, and secrecy-has only in more recent decades been pursued and interwoven into more mainstream historical narratives. LGBT history dates back to the first recorded instances of same-sex love and sexuality of ancient civilizations, involving the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender ( LGBT) peoples and cultures around the world.