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Law Allowing Women to Vote is Passed
On June 4th, 1919, the law for women to vote was passed. Prior to this, women were legally dead in the eye of law. They were not allowed to vote, they had no property rights, and men were dominant over them. When the law was passed, many were in favor and many were very against the law, much like the nondiscrimination law which protects trans people. -
Prohibition Law Passed
On January 17th, 1920, the Prohibition law was passed. Under the 18th amendment it stated that manufacturing, transporting, and selling of intoxicating liquor was prohibited. This was very controversial. Many believed it was a necessary act while others believed it was unnecessary and it stripped millions of their rights. Transgender activists argue that the inability to use the restroom of the gender they identify with is an act of taking away the right of freedom. -
Selective Training and Service Act Passed
On September 16th, 1940, the Selective Training and Service act was passed. This forced men ages 21-45 to register for the draft. Those selected would be forced to serve. The law caused a massive uproar. Many believed the draft was a patriotic call to service and it was necessary and that it wouldn't be fair if all men did not register. Others believed it took away freedom and put men in an uncomfortable and terrifying situation. -
Brown Vs Board of Education
Brown Vs the Board of Education was originally 5 separate cases revolving around racial segregation being unjust. In the court case it was said that separate schools for blacks and white are considered to be unequal. It was also determined that separate schools made blacks feel inferior to whites. The court case was very split, but in the end they decided that “separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTGHLdr-iak -
Stonewall Riots
The stonewall riots are considered to be the start of the LGBTQ movement. The riot broke out after the people in Stonewall Inn, a gay bar, became tired of the harassment they received from police. As the riot gained attention around the city, thousands of people in the gay community joined the riot in support.The following days, countless demonstrations took place throughout the city. The riots inspired LGBTQ groups to be formed all across the country. -
Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting
On December 14th, 2012, a man went into Sandy Hook Elementary school in Newtown, CT with a gun and shot and killed several students and teachers and injured many. The shooting gained a lot of media attention and left millions heart broken. This brought about the topic of gun rights. Many believe that taking away the right to bare arms is an act of taking away personal freedom. -
First Day of Legal Weed in Colorado
January 1st, 2014, marks the first day that weed was legalized in Colorado. Many people were very against the decision and many in favor. People in favor of the legalization believed it’s a personal decision whether or not a person smokes weed and it should not impact others. Trans activists take the same approach to their cause. Trans activists believe that them using the bathroom of their gender should have no impact on anyone other than themselves. -
Michael Brown Shot
On August 9th, 2014, Michael Brown was shot and killed. Michael Brown was an unarmed, black teenager. He was killed by white police officer, Darren Wilson. The weeks following the shootings there were many riots and protests in the area but also in other parts of the country. The uproar brought a lot of attention to the black community and raised awareness for police brutality. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_iewtMkaxk -
Same Sex Marriage Legalized in all Fifty States
On June 26th, 2015, same sex marriage was legalized in all fifty states of America. Although many were unpleased with the decision, most were celebrating or just neutral about the legalization. Like most decisions, some were in favor and some were against, which is similar to the current status of the trans bathroom issue. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkHz-EaWxCY -
North Carolina Signed Anti-transgender Bill
On March 23rd, 2016, North Carolina signed a bill blocking trans people from using the restroom corresponding to the gender they identify as. The bill was extremely controversial and caused anger from many but also happiness and relief from others. Trans activists for years have been trying to pass the nondiscrimination law that allows people to use the bathroom of the gender they identify with. Without this law, trans people are forced to use a bathroom that doesn’t align with their gender.
