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Founding of the Society for Human Rights
Henry Gerber founded this society in 1924 after seeing similar things while at war in World War One. It became the first gay rights group in the United States, laying the foundation for the rest of the movement throughout history -
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Evolution of LGBTQ Rights
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Society of Human Rights disbands
Due to a tip left by the wife of one of the founders, the group was forced to split and its members were arrested. Charges were dropped but the damage was done and the group disbanded only a year after forming. -
Founding of the Mattachine Society
Harry Hay along with Dale Jennings, Bob Hull, Chuck Rowland, and Rudi Grenriech would found this society with focus on social acceptance and support for homosexuals. -
President Eisenhower bans homosexuals from working federal jobs
President Eisenhower issued an executive order that banned homosexuals from obtaining jobs in the federal government, claiming they are too much of a security risk -
First known lesbian group forms
The first known lesbian group, known as the Daughters of Bilitis or DOB for short forms in San Francisco. They hosted private social functions while fearing police raids and discrimination. -
Illinois decriminalizes homosexuality
Illinois became the first state to decriminalize homosexuality via repealing their sodomy laws. -
First television aired documentary on homosexuality
The first television aired documentary hit in California, spreading awareness about homosexuals and homosexuality. -
Stonewall Inn Riots
Police raid the Stonewall Inn in New York City, sparking protests and demonstrations. Becomes the focus of the gay civil rights movement in America. -
First official pride parade
One year after the Stonewall Inn Riots, people gather to celebrate it. The event is dubbed Christopher Street Liberation Day and is considered the first pride parade. -
Maryland bans same sex marriage
Maryland bans same sex marriage, becoming the first state to do so. -
First gay rights bill introduced
The first gay rights bill is introduced to address discrimination based on sexual orientation. The bill goes to the Judiciary Committee but never gets considered. -
First gay rights bill introduced
The first gay rights bill is introduced, aiming to discuss and address discrimination based on sexual orientation but never makes it past the Judiciary Committee. -
March on Washington
First national march on Washington for gay and lesbian rights takes place. Draws out an estimated 75,000-125,000 individuals. -
Wisconsin outlaws discrimination
Wisconsin becomes the first state to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation -
Don't ask don't tell policy
President Bill Clinton signs on a military policy that forbids openly gay and openly lesbian Americans from joining the military. Also prohibits the harassment of closeted individuals. -
Hate crimes sentencing enhancement act
This law allows a judge to sentence a harsher punishment if the victim was chosen due to actual/perceived skin color, race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, and sexual orientation. -
Defense of Marriage act
President Clinton signs off on a law that bans the federal recognition of same sex marriage. It defines marriage as a legal union between one man and one woman -
First same sex marriage
The first same sex marriage in the United States was performed in Massachusetts. -
Don't ask don't tell repealed
The "don't ask don't tell" act is repealed, allowing openly gay men and lesbian women to serve in the military. -
Same-sex marriage legalised
The supreme court decision in the case Obergefell v. Hodges, with a 5-4 decision often dubbed as land-marking, allowed for same sex marriage to be legalized and granted full protection under the law. -
Banning discrimination in the workplace
The supreme court ruled a federal law that bans discrimination in the workplace that stems from a worker's sexual orientation or gender identity.