1431: Joan of Arc is burned at the stake for heresy. Among her “crimes” are cross-dressing and inappropriate relationships with women. 1968: Los Angeles Homophile groups organize a “gay-in” in Griffith Park. 1977: In an essay in Newsweek, applauding the efforts of Anita Bryant in Florida, columnist George Will condemns gay rights ordinances as “part … Read More
1965: Ten men and three women participate in an ECHO (East Coast Homophile Organization) picket of the White House. 1979: Los Angeles outlaws discrimination against homosexuals in private sector employment and in patronization of business establishments in its city. Mayor Thomas Bradley signs bills which go into effect July 2, 1979. 1987: U.S. Representative Barney … Read More
1987: Prominent gay actor, director and playwright Charles Ludlam dies of AIDS at age 44. 1989: Guy Baldwin of Los Angeles becomes the 11th International Mr. Leather at the contest at the Vic Theatre in ChicagoT 1998: U.S. President Bill Clinton signs Executive Order 13087 to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation in the competitive service … Read More
1960: In San Francisco, the Daughters of Bilitis sponsors a three-day national convention of lesbians, perhaps the first public gathering focused on the topic of lesbianism in the United States. 1977: Wyoming repeals its laws against homosexual acts between consenting adults. 1987: With wife Tammy Faye weeping at his side, disgraced televangelist Jim Bakker goes … Read More
2009: The California Supreme Court issues its ruling in Strauss v. Horton, upholding Proposition 8 by a 6–1 vote but ruling that the marriages performed before the measure took effect remain legal and valid.
1895: Oscar Wilde is convicted of gross indecency and sentenced to two years’ hard labour. 1913: Colonel Alfred Redl, former chief of Austrian counterintelligence, commits suicide when it becomes known that he has been blackmailed, on account of his homosexuality, into working for the Russians for the past year. Later in the century, the Redl … Read More
1610: The Virginia Colony passes the first anti-sodomy law of the American colonial period. 1919: Anders als die Andern (“Different from the Others“), the first pro gay film, premieres in Berlin. Magnus Hirschfeld is a producer and makes a cameo appearance. The movie stars Conrad Veidt. 1953: A Mattachine Foundation circular estimates total membership in the society at … Read More
1920: Harvard University establishes an ad hoc committee to investigate homosexual activity at the school. Following two weeks of inquiries, Harvard expels several students. The tribunal becomes known as the “Secret Court” after records filed under that name are discovered in 2002. 1975: “As you no doubt expected, I am declining your invitation to participate in … Read More
May 22 is the birthday of prominent gay pioneer, Harvey Milk. In 2009, the California State Legislature passed Senate Bill 572 designating every May 22 as “Harvey Milk Day.” Today we honor Harvey, his work and his enduring legacy.
1929: Katharine Lee Bates, author of America the Beautiful, who was in a so-called “Boston Marriage” with Katharine Coman, dies. 2007: Vermont bans gender identity discrimination in the private sector.