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Biologist and sex researcher, Alfred Kinsey writes a book that challenges the opinions of people who thought homosexuality was an illness. This opens up a new opinion and perspective out to the public. -
In L.A, activist Harry Hay founded the first national gay rights organization, the Mattachine Society. They're goal was to eliminate discrimination. This organization becomes very involved in gay rights. -
The federal government investigates their employee's sexuality at the beginning of the Cold War. They believe sexuality is a mental illness. Thousands of people were discharged from military and their jobs. This was nicknamed the Lavender Scare. -
Police raided the Stonewall Inn (gay club) and sparked a riot. This was followed by 6 days of protests and violence against law enforcement. People were injured and arrested during this time, police was violent which created more violence against them. Many activist groups formed after, and the 1 year anniversary of the riot became the first gay pride parade. -
75000 people join the National March on Washington for LGBT rights. They demand equal rights and want to feel protected and accepted by society. -
The Democratic Rules Committee states that they won't discriminate against LGBT. Democrats became the first major political party to support. -
Wisconsin becomes the first state to outlaw discrimination of LGBTQ+ -
The Department of Defense prohibits the U.S Military from asking applicants their sexual orientation. They still cannot claim their sexuality while in military ("Don't Ask, Don't Tell"). This DADT wasn't removed until 2011. -
Massachusetts becomes the first state that legalizes gay marriage, They realize that it "denies dignity and equality of all individuals." -
A decision 5-4 in Obergefell v. Hodges, U.S Supreme Court legalizes LGBT marriage in all 50 states.