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Period: 800 BCE to 300 BCE
Ancient Greece
Same-sex relationships, particularly between older men and younger boys (pederasty), were socially accepted and often celebrated in literature and art. -
Period: 500 BCE to 500
Ancient Rome
Same-sex relationships were prevalent in Roman society, but they were defined by strict social hierarchies. Freeborn Roman men were expected to assert dominance. while those in subordinate positions, such as slaves or non-citizens, could be subjected to sexual exploitation. Despite some acceptance, any relationships that undermined traditional gender roles were often stigmatized. -
Period: 500 to 1500
Middle Ages
With the rise of Christianity, societal attitudes towards same-sex relationships became increasingly negative. Homosexual acts were condemned as sinful, leading to severe penalties, including execution. The church played a significant role in enforcing moral standards, and many LGBTQ+ individuals faced persecution. The period also saw the rise of the Inquisition, which targeted those accused of heresy, including homosexual acts, leading to trials and brutal punishments. -
Period: 1300 to
Renaissance
The Renaissance sparked a renewed interest in classical art and literature, which sometimes included more open discussions about love and sexuality. While some artists and thinkers explored same-sex love, societal norms remained rigid. Notable figures, such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, faced scrutiny, and accusations of homosexuality could ruin careers. Despite moments of tolerance, the era was still marked by significant repression, particularly from the Church. -
Period: to
18th Century
During the 18th century, some European countries began to reconsider laws surrounding homosexuality, leading to debates about rights and morality. However, many nations maintained strict laws against same-sex relationships. The Buggery Act of 1533 in England remained in effect, and individuals could face severe punishment for homosexual acts. Enlightenment thinkers began to question social norms, but public opinion still largely condemned homosexuality. -
Period: to
19th Century
The 19th century saw the emergence of modern concepts of sexual orientation. Thinkers like Karl Ulrichs began advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, arguing against the criminalization of homosexuality. However, many countries continued to enforce harsh penalties. In the UK, the Labouchere Amendment of 1885 criminalized "gross indecency," leading to high-profile trials and public outrage. This period marked both a growing awareness of LGBTQ+ identities and persistent societal rejection. -
The Mattachine Society
The Mattachine Society is established by Harry Hay in Los Angeles. It becomes one of the first sustained gay rights organizations, focusing on education and advocacy. -
Period: to
Foundation of the society for human rights
The Society for Human Rights is officially founded in Chicago, aiming to advocate for gay rights but disbands within a year due to repression. -
The Nazis
The Nazi Party begins its campaign against homosexuality, leading to the arrest of thousands of gay men and their internment in concentration camps. -
Beggining of changes in social norms
Alfred Kinsey publishes "Sexual Behavior in the Human Male," revealing a wide spectrum of human sexual behavior, challenging societal norms -
Public Demonstration
The Mattachine Society holds its first public demonstration in Washington, D.C., advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. -
LGBT classified as a mental disorder
The American Psychiatric Association classifies homosexuality as a mental disorder in its first Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). -
Mattachine Demonstrations
The first gay rights demonstrations in the U.S. occur at the White House and Independence Hall, organized by the Mattachine Society. -
Stonewall Riots
The Stonewall Riots occur at the Stonewall Inn in New York City, sparking the modern LGBT rights movement. -
Homosexuality is no longer considered a mental disorder
One of the biggest developments for the LGBT community occur and The American Psychiatric Association removes homosexuality from the DSM, recognizing it is not a mental disorder. -
National Protests
Anita Bryant leads a campaign against a Miami ordinance protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination, provoking national protests. -
AIDS and healthcare
The first cases of AIDS are reported, leading to significant activism for health care and rights, especially within the gay community. -
Legitimization of legal discrimination against LGBT individuals
the U.S. Supreme Court upholds state sodomy laws, legitimizing legal discrimination against LGBT individuals. -
Changes in military enrollment
The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy is enacted, allowing gay individuals to serve in the military without disclosing their sexual orientation. -
Bill Clinton signing of DOMA
The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is signed into law by President Bill Clinton, defining marriage as between one man and one woman for federal purposes. -
Hate crimes drawing nationwide protests
The murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay university student in Wyoming, highlights the issue of hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals. His death sparks national outrage and brings attention to the need for stronger hate crime legislation.
2000s -
Legalization of civil unions for gay couples and other rights given
Vermont becomes the first U.S. state to legalize civil unions for same-sex couples, providing them with some legal rights and benefits similar to marriage. -
First legalization of gay marriage
Massachusetts becomes the first state in the U.S. to legalize same-sex marriage, following a landmark ruling by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court that states same-sex couples cannot be denied the right to marry.