1924: The state of Illinois issues a charter to a nonprofit corporation named the Society for Human Rights, located in Chicago. It becomes the earliest documented gay rights organization in the United States. 1971: Nixon Supreme Court Nominee William H. Rehnquist is confirmed by the U.S. Senate. 1989: More than 5,000 activists show up in … Read More
1975: The Washington Star begins a series on homosexuality in American Sports. Inspired, Washington Redskins linebacker Dave Kopay agrees to come out to the series’ author, Lynn Rosellini.
1981: The New York City Gay Men’s Chorus becomes the first openly gay musical group to play at Carnegie Hall with their Christmas concert.
1970: Lesbian painter Romaine Brooks, dies in Nice, France at age 96.
1984: Berkeley, CA becomes the first city in the U.S. to extend spousal benefits to gay city employees and their live-in lovers. To qualify, applicants must fill out an “Affidavit of Domestic Partnership”
1986: The city council of New Orleans rejects a municipal gay rights ordinance.
1979: Martin Sherman‘s Bent, about the Nazi persecution of homosexuals, starring Richard Gere and David Dukes, opens on Broadway. It runs for 241 performances. It goes on to be Tony nominated for Best Play and Best Featured Actor in a Play (David Dukes). Richard Gere goes on to win the 1980 Theatre World Award for his acting work in this production.
1988: The first World AIDS Day, organized by the World Health Organization, is held. Today we honor and remember those we’ve lost to the AIDS Crisis and those that are still fighting.
1977: Gay playwright Terence Rattigan, known for The Winslow Boy (1946), The Browning Version (1948), The Deep Blue Sea (1952), dies in Bermuda at the age of 66.
1984: West Hollywood, the first city in the U.S. to have a city council with a majority of LGBTQ members, is incorporated in Los Angeles County.