December 24 in LGBTQ History
1990: Openly lesbian actress Pat Bond dies of lung cancer at the age of 65.
December 22 in LGBTQ History
2010: President Obama signs the bill that officially repeals the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy.
December 21 in LGBTQ History
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
December 20 in LGBTQ History
1973: For the second time in two years, the New York City Council rejects a proposed gay rights ordinance for the city.
December 18 in LGBTQ History
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
December 17 in LGBTQ History
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
December 16 in LGBTQ History
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.
December 15 in LGBTQ History
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.
December 14 in LGBTQ History
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.
December 12 in LGBTQ History
1970: A struggling young pianist and songwriter takes a day job performing at New York’s Continental Baths. His name is Barry Manilow.