-
Franklin Kameny
Frank Kameny, Biographical Facts and quotesLived from 1925-2010 Served in WWII Army Went on to get a degree in astronomy Was later dissmissed from position as astronomer for the US Army Argued case to the court, it was denied Went on to become the first openly gay man to do many things Despite being denied, his was the first notable case in the Gay rights movement in the 1960s -
Period: to
The Decriminalization of Homosexuality
Time line of Gay rights Beginning with Illinois decriminalizing homosexuality, one by one, states began to outlaw the criminalization of homosexuality, and then WI took the next step by outlawing discrimination of homosexuals in 1982. We continue to see changes when Vermont became the first state to legally recognize the marriage of same-sex couples in 2000.
(See Lawrence v Texas) -
Stonewall Riots
Early morning, riot brakes out in a gay bar in Greenwich Village called Stonewall Inn Police had provoked customers who then took a stand and were soon joined by other gay and lesbian civilians. Police put down the riot with beatings but the next night, rioters returned--over 1000 of them. Caused other demonstrations to be held throughout city After the riots, gay and lesbian rights advocacy groups started showing up and talking about rights. 1st gay pride parades held on 1st anniversary -
Homosexuality no longer labeled a mental illness
Psychiatric NewsIn 1970, the kickoff for the changing of this stigma was a meeting held in San Fransisco where political protesters and activists from the Gay Liberation front disrupted the meeting. In 1972, there were serious talks about the positive aspects of the lives of homoesexuals, and a group of psychiatrists who began openly advocating for their rights. These doctors proposed that the label of "mental illness" be replaced by "sexual orientation disturbance" A vote in Dec 1973 approved proposal. -
Lawrence v Texas
Lawrence v TX
In Lawrence v Texas, the Supreme court ruled that any laws regarding sodomy were unconstitutional if between two consenting adults and in the privacy of home. It violated the citizens' right to privacy in the home. This court ruling helped the process of decriminalizing homosexuality because it not only provided a solution to the question that was raised regarding provacy in the home, but also recognized the freedom of adults to engage in any consenual sex. -
"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Policy Ended
The "don't ask, don't tell phrase was coined after President Bill Clinton signed a 1993 law directiong that military personnel "don't ask, don't tell, don't pursue, and don't harass."
It theoretically lifted a ban on homosexual service that had been established during WWII, but it continued a statutory ban.
Congress voted to have the law repealed and on September 20, 2011 President Barack Obama signed the legislation. -
The Defense of Marriage Act: Windsor v US
Edie Windsor and Thea Spyer married in Canada after 40 years of engagement. When Thea passed away, the federal government refused to recognize their marriage and taxed the inheritance. Under federal tax law, when a spouse dies, the assets given to the other spouse are not taxed. The Defense of Marriage Act allowed the federal government to treat them differntly from other couples. After Edie argued her case, the Supreme Court ruled DOMA unconstitutional. -
Problems Faced Today by Gays and Lesbians
Facing discrimination and dealing with homophobia can affect a person's health. Research shows that homosexuals have reduced access to medical care. They face a lot of discrimination and hate.
