LGBTQ+

  • The first gay rights group is established

    The first gay rights group is established

    World War I veteran Henry Gerber founded the Society for Human Rights in Chicago. The group was the first gay rights group in America, and its newsletter "Friendship and Freedom", was the United States' first recorded gay rights publication.
  • First known British trans woman undergoes reassignment surgery

    First known British trans woman undergoes reassignment surgery

    Roberta Cowell is the first known British trans woman to undergo reassignment surgery. She underwent a secret procedure in order to get a certificate stating she was intersex.
  • The Supreme Court rules in the favor of gay rights

    The Supreme Court rules in the favor of gay rights

    The Supreme Court rules in favor of gay rights, after the U.S Post Office refused to deliver America's first widely distributed pro-gay publication, ONE: The Homosexual Magazine, the case went to Supreme Court and was ruled in favor of gay rights for the first time, making it a major landmark case in LGBTQ history.
  • The Mattachine Society organizes a gay rights "Sip-In"

    The Mattachine Society organizes a gay rights "Sip-In"

    During a time when most bars refused to serve gay people, one of the countries first gay rights organizations staged a "Sip-In" during which activists entered a New York City bar, announced they were gay, ordered drinks, and waited to be served.
  • The first pride march is held in London

    The first pride march is held in London

    The first Pride march is held in London, attracting around 2000 participants
  • Homosexuality is no longer considered a mental illness

    Homosexuality is no longer considered a mental illness

    After years of studies, analysis, and changing cultural attitudes, the American Psychiatric Association's board of directors removed homosexuality from the official list of mental illnesses, known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a move that was upheld with a vote by the association's membership.
  • Barney Frank becomes second openly gay member of Congress

    Barney Frank becomes second openly gay member of Congress

    Barney Frank becomes second openly gay member of Congress, after spending six years on Capital Hill Rep. he voluntarily came out as gay, making him the second openly gay member of Congress and the first to come out voluntarily, in the country's history.
  • The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act becomes a law

    The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act becomes a law

    President Obama signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act to law. The law was named for two men who were murdered in hate crimes- Matthew Shepard because he was gay, and James Bryd, Jr. because he was black. The law expanded previous hate crimes legislation to officially categorize crimes motivated by perceived gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability as hate crimes.
  • The military will allow transgender Americans to serve openly in the military

    The military will allow transgender Americans to serve openly in the military

    In July of 2015, the U.S. Defense Secretary, Ashton Carter announced that the military would lift a ban that prevents transgender Americans from serving in the country's armed forces.
  • Same sex marriage is made a Constitutional right nationwide!

    Same sex marriage is made a Constitutional right nationwide!

    Love wins. The Supreme Court finally and officially declares same-sex marriage a Constitutional right nationwide, meaning all states must allow Americans to get married, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation.