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P1 CHANGE- Gay friendly organizations
Gay rights activist Harry Hay founded Americas first national gay rights organization in an attempt to change the public perception of homosexuality and eliminate discrimination against the gay culture. -
CHANGE- First Lesbian Organization
Barbara Gittings (leader of DOB and editor of DOB publication "The Leader") starts the first lesbian rights organization in America called the Daughters of Bilitis. This organization provided social functions as alternatives to lesbian bars which were frequently raided by police -
TURNING POINT- Homosexuality a punishable offense
Illinois abolished their sodomy laws and became the first US state to decriminalize homosexuality. -
P2 CAUSE AND EFFECT- "Sip-In"
The homosexual organization Mattachine Society staged a sit-in/"sip-in" at a bar in New York where the New York Liqour Authority prohibits serving gay patrons in bars. Following the "sip-in" Mattachine Society sued the New York Liqour Authority and the New York City Commission on Human Rights declared that homosexuals have the right to be served. -
P3 CONTINUITY- Dont Ask Dont Tell Policy
The Department of Defense issued an order prohibiting U.S. military for barring applicants based on their sexual orientation. In the "Don't Ask Don't Tell policy applicants will not be asked to reveal whether they are homosexual or not. Policy is still in play today. -
TURNING POINT- Massachussetts legalizes gay marriage
Court in Massahcussetts finds the prohibition of gay marriage unconstitutional because it denies equality of all individuals and Massachussetts becomes the first state to legalize gay marriage. Soon after many other states follow along and legalize gay marriage. -
CHANGE- Obama signs the DADT Repeal Act
President Barrack Obama signs the "Don't Ask Don't Tell Act" that allows gays and lesbians to OPENLY serve in the U.S. Military.
