To celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month, we’re taking a look at important moments in gay, lesbian, bisexual, trangender, and queer pride history.
Society for Human Rights
One, Inc. v. Olesen
In 1958, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of gay rights for the first time. The US Post Office was refusing to deliver a pro-LGBT publication called ONE: The Homosexual Magazine. The case made it all the way to the Supreme Court, and the ruling came down in favor of LGBTQ rights. This was the first ruling to focus on both homosexuality and the right to free speech in regards to homosexuality.
Illinois takes a stand
In 1961, Illinois became the first state to decriminalize homosexuality. Illinois repealed its sodomy laws, making it legal for two consenting same-sex adults to engage in sexual acts.
The Stonewall riots
In June 1969, at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City, police staged a raid. Patrons at the bar started to fight back against the police, leading to a series of riots that lasted for days. The Stonewall riots sparked the beginning of the modern movement for LGBTQ rights and inspired the June date for Pride Month.
Christopher Street Liberation Day
In 1970, people in New York City marched through the streets in honor of the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall riots. It is now known as Christopher Street Liberation Day and has been hailed as the first Gay Pride parade. Since 1970, the Pride parades have only gotten bigger and better. They are a main source of celebration for members of the LGBTQ community.
The American Psychiatric Association's breakthrough decision
In 1973, the American Psychiatric Association’s board of directors removed homosexuality from its official list of mental illnesses. This was after years of studies and analysis. The removal from the list was endorsed by a vote from the association’s membership.
Women in power
In 1974, two separate women were elected to public office, both making history with their wins. Kathy Kozachenko became the first openly LGBTQ American elected to a public office when she was elected to a seat on the Ann Arbor City Council in Michigan. Elaine Noble then became the first openly gay candidate elected to a state office as a representative in Massachusetts.
Pictured: Elaine Noble at a gay rights rally in Boston
