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the Society for Human Rights
The Society for Human Rights is founded by Henry Gerber in Chicago. It is the first documented gay rights organization. -
Mattachine Society
The Mattachine Society is formed by activist Harry Hay and is one of the first sustained gay rights groups in the United States. -
Daughters of Bilitis
the first know lesbian rights organization in the United states forms in San Francisco. Daughters of Bilitis (DOB) -
decriminalize homosexuality
Illinois becomes the first state to decriminalize homosexuality by repealing their sodomy laws. -
US-televised documentary
the first US-televised documentary about homosexuality airs on a local station in California. -
Elaine Noble
Elaine Noble is the first openly gay candidate elected to a state office when she is elected to the Massachusetts State legislature. -
federal gay rights bill
The first federal gay rights bill is introduced to address discrimination based on sexual orientation. The bill later goes to the Judiciary Committee but is never brought for consideration. -
National March on Washington
The first National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights takes place. It draws an estimated 75,000 to 125,000 individuals marching for LGBTQ rights. -
outlaw discrimination
Wisconsin becomes the first state to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation -
cover of Time magazine
Comedian Ellen DeGeneres comes out as a lesbian on the cover of Time magazine, stating, “Yep, I’m Gay.”