December 24 in LGBTQ History
1990: Openly lesbian actress Pat Bond dies of lung cancer at the age of 65.
1990: Openly lesbian actress Pat Bond dies of lung cancer at the age of 65.
2010: President Obama signs the bill that officially repeals the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy.
1993: The Department of Defense issues a directive prohibiting the U.S. Military from barring applicants from service based on their sexual orientation. “Applicants… shall not be asked or required to reveal whether they are homosexual, ” states the new policy, which still forbids applicants from engaging in homosexual acts or making a statement that he … Read More
1973: For the second time in two years, the New York City Council rejects a proposed gay rights ordinance for the city.
1980: The New York State Court of Appeals abolishes the state’s sodomy laws. 1982: The Quebec government overwhelmingly approves a measure that gives domestic partners of gays and lesbians legal protection and access to economic benefits previously restricted to straights. 1984: The Times of Harvey Milk wins the New York Critics’ Award for Best Documentary of … Read More
1969: Falsetto singer Tiny Tim, perceived by many to be gay because of his voice and mannerisms, marries his girlfriend, Miss Vicki on national television. 1970: Nine leaders of the women’s liberation movement – including Gloria Steinem and Susan Brownmiller – hold a press conference in NYC to express their “solidarity with the struggle of homosexuals … Read More
1983: Mel Brook‘s To Be or Not To Be, a remake of the Lubitsch classic becomes the first mainstream film to not only acknowledge Nazi persecution of homosexuals, but also makes it a key plot element.
1973: The Board of the American Psychiatric Association votes to recommend that homosexuality no longer be classified as a mental illness. 1977: The provincial government of Quebec adds gay men and lesbians to the list of groups whose civil rights are legally protected under the province’s Charter of Human Rights.
1980: French film La Cage aux Folles ends its nineteen month run at New York City’s 68th Street Playhouse. 1988: The film adaptation of Harvey Fierstein‘s Torch Song Trilogy opens in New York City.
1970: A struggling young pianist and songwriter takes a day job performing at New York’s Continental Baths. His name is Barry Manilow.