A Brief American Queer History
Society for Human Rights - 1924:
A precursor to the active LGBTQ+ rights movement, the Society for Human Rights was the first of its kind, founded in Chicago by Henry Gerber. It actively worked towards protecting gay rights and combating discrimination.
Daughters of Bilitis - 1955:
Founded in San Francisco, the Daughters of Bilitis (DOB) was the first known lesbian rights organization in the United States. Founded as a safe space away from discriminatory violence, the DOB printed the first lesbian periodical in the United States.
Stonewall Uprising - 1969:
During one raid in a series of regular police intrusions at the popular NYC gay bar, the Stonewall Inn, exasperated patrons fought back at the police. The uprising evolved into six days of protest, and became what many see as the beginning of the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Los Angeles LGBT Center - 1969:
What started as a small refuge for LGBTQ+ people became the Los Angeles LGBT Center: the largest LGBTQ+ organization in the world. Today, the center has numerous services that aid the queer community with job opportunities, advocacy and education for and about the community.
Pressure on APA - 1973:
The newly active LGBTQ+ movement demanded more rights and equality. They especially focused on pressuring the American Psychiatric Association to remove homosexuality from their list of mental illnesses, and succeeded four years later.
Harvey Milk takes office - 1977:
Harvey Milk, a well-known civil rights activist, became the first openly gay man to be elected to a public office in California, where he held a position on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
First Pride Flag - 1978:
In 1978, queer rights activist Gilbert Baker created the first rainbow flag, a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride. The flag debuted at the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade to celebrate the significant strides the LGBTQ+ community had made towards equality and acceptance.
Aids Crisis Begins - 1981:
Scientists made initial reports of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). However, because one of the majority groups the disease affected was gay men, there became a widespread stigma, and progress towards finding a cure fell far short.
Official Pride Month - 1999:
To commemorate the Stonewall Uprising, the LGBTQ+ community has held numerous pride parades every June to spread awareness, support and celebration for their cause since 1970. During his presidency, Bill Clinton declared that June would be "Gay and Lesbian Pride Month."
Prop 8 in CA - 2008-2013:
Ballot proposition Prop 8 passed in November 2008, enacting a state ban on same-sex marriage. Ruling that it violated the U.S. Constitution, Prop 8 was declared unconstitutional in 2010 in a district court and was overturned in 2013.
LGBTQ+ Education - 2011:
Through the FAIR Education Act, public schools in California are required to include the teaching of LGBTQ+ history as a part of their curriculum.
Obergefell v. Hodges - 2015:
In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage was legalized nationwide and that state bans on same-sex marriage are unconstitutional. This conclusion was a significant step towards further inclusion and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community.