LGBTQ folks have been around since air. Much of our history has been lost to time. But luckily, a lot of the past 100+ years has been documented by collectors and historians alike. Here are a few of the highlights.
Work-In-Progress = Last Updated 05.19.24
1924
SOCIETY FOR HUMAN RIGHTS FOUNDED
The first recognized LGBTQ rights organization in the United States, founded in Chicago by Henry Gerber.
1948
KINSEY REPORTS PUBLISHED
Alfred Kinsey publishes "Sexual Behavior in the Human Male," followed by "Sexual Behavior in the Human Female" in 1953, revolutionizing understanding of human sexuality and laying groundwork for LGBTQ rights.
1953
ONE MAGAZINE BEGINS PUBLICATION
In January 1953 One, Inc. began publishing a monthly magazine called One, the first U.S. pro-gay publication,[6] which it sold openly on the streets of Los Angeles for 25 cents.
1958
ONE, INC. V. OLESEN
Landmark decision of the US Supreme Court for LGBT rights in the United States. It was the first U.S. Supreme Court ruling to deal with homosexuality and the first to address free speech rights and homosexuality.
1950s-1969
LGBTQ ACTIONS IN THE UNITED STATES BEFORE STONEWALL
The Stonewall Riots were a culmination of the actions and events that took place before it. Thanks to the hard work of early activists.
1960s-1980s
HISTORY OF GAY LIBERATION
A summary of major political and social events before and after Stonewall.
1969
Series of spontaneous demonstrations by members of the LGBTQ community in response to a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City, often cited as the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ rights movement.
1969
The first incarnation of this gay rights group formed immediately after the Stonewall Riots. Its influence would go on to inspire other groups, including active Gay Actvists Alliance, ACT UP, the Lesbian Avengers, Queer Nation, and Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.
1970
An informal but effective group of lesbian feminists who were protesting the exclusion of lesbian issues by mainstream feminists.
1970
STREET TRANSVESTITE ACTION REVOLUTIONARIES (STAR) FORMED
Led by Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson to represent gay, gender non-conforming, and trans people, this group was an early model of sticking together for the good of the larger community. Not just gay. Not just lesbian. But ALL queer people.
1973
REMOVAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY FROM DSM
The American Psychiatric Association removes homosexuality from its list of mental disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
1978
HARVEY MILK ELECTED
Harvey Milk becomes one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States when he wins a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
1979
SISTERS OF PERPETUAL INDULGENCE FORMED
This charitable organization was founded in San Francisco with chapters opening around the world. It continues to be a bright spot in the non-profit world of LGBTQ causes.
1987
ACT UP FOUNDED
ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) is founded in New York City, becoming a prominent activist group fighting for AIDS awareness, research, and treatment.
1990
Fighting fire with fire, Queer Nation was known for its confrontational response to anti-gay violence
1996
The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is signed into law in the United States, defining marriage as between one man and one woman for federal purposes.
2003
The United States Supreme Court strikes down sodomy laws in Texas and, by extension, invalidates sodomy laws in 13 other states, decriminalizing homosexual relations between consenting adults nationwide.
2011
"DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL" REPEALED
The United States officially ends the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, allowing LGBTQ individuals to serve openly in the military.
2015
The United States Supreme Court rules that same-sex marriage is legal nationwide, overturning bans in 14 states, and making same-sex marriage legal in all 50 states.
2020
The United States Supreme Court rules that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects employees against discrimination because of sexual orientation or gender identity.