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Stonewall Riots
These riots of gay and lesbian people brought homosexuals together to begin developing organizations. This brought demonstrations to the streets, helped people to begin to realize the issue, and let the gay rights movement to take affect. -
Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage
Massachusetts became the first state in the country to legalize same-sex marriage. This decision cause same-sex marriages to occur across the country from San Francisco to New York, and other states began to legalize same-sex marriages. Today, there are still debates and states that still illegalize same-sex marriages. -
Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell
President Barack Obama signed the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010 which allows openly homosexual soldiers to serve in the military. Thousands of homosexuals had been discharged from the military from 1994-2009. This act helped increase members in the military and took a step towards non-discrimination of homosexuals. -
Repeal of Defense of Marriage Act
The 1996 Defense of Marriage Act banned same-sex couples from receiving the same federal benefits of married opposite-sex couples. In 2011, Obama repealed this act for equal protection purposes and believing it wasn't right. This opened up more possibilities and gave homosexuals more equal rights. -
Boy Scouts of America
The Boy Scouts of America reaffirm its ban on gay members and leaders. This decision created criticism and raised questions about this large youth organization excluding boys that should rightfully be able to join. The BSA claimed support from parents was a large reason for keeping the policy and were fully aware of the opposing views of many leaders and members wanting it to be allowed.
