In honor of it being LGBT History Month, I thought it'd be appropriate to share some big milestones in the fight for LGBT rights. While there's still progress that needs to be made, there are also some really great things that need to be acknowledged and celebrated this month.
December 10, 1924:
The Society for Human Rights was founded in Chicago by Henry Gerber. It disbanded shortly after being created, but during its time, it was the first gay rights organization documented in the United States and it was the site of the first publication for the queer community.
November 11, 1950:
The Mattachine Society was founded in Los Angeles, California. It was the first national gay rights organization. It was created to help alter the public perception of the LGBT community by helping to "assimilate homosexuals into mainstream society".
December 15, 1950:
The United States Senate published a report titled "Employment of Homosexuals and Other Sex Perverts in the Government" which led to what is known as the "Lavender Scare." It resulted in almost 500 people being fired from their federal jobs and 438 men and women being discharged from the military.
April 1952:
The American Psychiatric Association lists homosexuality as a sociopathic personality disturbance.
September 21, 1955:
The Daughters of Bilitis, the first lesbian rights organization, is founded in San Francisco.
August 30, 1956:
Evelyn Hooker publishes "The Adjustment of the Male Overt Homosexual," where she shares research that shows that there aren't many differences in the way heterosexual and homosexual men act.
January 13, 1958:
The Supreme Court rules in favor the First Amendment rights of the LGBT community and is the first case of its kind.
January 1, 1962:
Illinois becomes the first state to decriminalize homosexuality by repealing their sodomy laws.
June 28, 1969:
The Stonewall Riots take place.
June 28, 1970:
In honor of Stonewall, the LGBT citizens of New York participate in the first ever Pride Parade.
December 15, 1973:
Homosexuality is removed from the American Psychiatric Association's list of mental illnesses.
January, 1974:
Kathy Kozachenko becomes the first openly gay American elected to public office.
July 8, 1980:
The Democratic Party becomes the first political party to advocate for gay rights.
October 11, 1987:
Ronald Reagan officially and publicly recognizes the AIDS crisis.
August 18, 1990:
George Bush signs the Ryan White Care Act, the first federal program to help fund people with AIDS.
December 21, 1993:
The American military implements "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
December 21, 1996:
President Clinton signs the Defense of Marriage Act, which states that marriage is between one man and woman and that no state is legally required to recognize same-sex marriage.
April 26, 2000:
Vermont becomes the first state to legalize civil unions.
May 18, 2004:
Massachusetts becomes the first state to legalize same-sex marriage.
June 17, 2009:
President Obama signs a bill stating that same-sex partners of federal employees are required to receive certain benefits.
December 18, 2010:
"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is repealed and allows openly gay people to serve in the United States Military.
June 26, 2015:
The Supreme Court rules same-sex marriage to be legal in every state.
The LGBT community still has a long way to go, but when you look at all of the adversity we've been able to overcome you can see that as a group there are so many things to celebrate this month. If you are a member of the LGBT community, stand tall and be proud of who you are and remember where this movement started and what it has become.
I'm starting a new thing at the end of my articles where I give you guys a weekly playlist. Here is this week's:
Brave // Sara Bareilles
I Don't Feel Like Dancin' // Scissor Sisters
Jessie's Girl // Mary Lambert
Girls Like Girls // Hayley Kiyoko
Don't Go Breaking My Heart // Elton John ft Kiki Dee
Express Yourself // Madonna
I Want to Break Free // Queen
I Kissed A Girl // Jill Sobule
I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You // Black Kids
Roman Holiday // Halsey
