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18th Century
Gay relationships were not common, and cross-dressing was a felony, -
19th Century
Gay men fought in the Civil War, but with many restrictions. Sources have found that same-sex couples who were not legally married would live together. -
The Society for Human Rights
The Society for Human Rights becomes the first known gay organization, founded in Chicago, Illionis. -
Freedom and Friendship
Henry Gerber created a pro-gay organization, and published "Freedom and Friendship." -
Sexual Behavior in the Human Male
The "Sexual Behavior in the Human Male" was published by Alfred Kinsey, and was the first real look at the subject of homosexuality. -
The Mattachine Society
Harry Hay, the father of the Gay Rights Movement, founded the first national gay rights organization. -
Eisenhower Bans Gays Work
Dwight D. Eisenhower, the president at the time, signs an Executive Order denying gays the right to work in the federal government. -
Daughters of Bilitis
The Daughters of Bilitis, the first known lesbian-rights organization, was established in San Francisco. -
Homosexual Activity Decriminalized in Illinois
Illinois became the first state to decriminalize homosexual relations between people in the privacy of their homes. -
Stonewall Inn Riots
Riots took place at the Stonewall Inn after gay customers felt they were being discriminated against. It lasted three days, -
Homosexuality is NOT a Mental Disorder!
Up until this point, the American Psychiatric Association considered homosexuality a mental disorder. This changed in 1973. -
Harvey Milk
Harvey Milk is the first openly gay man to be inaugurated as the city supervisor in San Francisco. -
March on Washington, D.C.
In October of 1979, about 75,000 people gathered and participated in the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. -
Democrats Take A Stand
At the Democratic National Convention in 1980, the Democrats stated that they supported gay rights. -
Wisconsin Outlaws Discrimination
Wisconsin became the first state to outlaw discrimination based solely on the belief that someone was gay. -
Don't Ask, Don't Tell
The "Don't Ask,Don't Tell" policy is established in the U.S. Military. This policy allowed gays to serve, but banned homosexual relationships. -
Vermont legalizes civil unions
Vermont is the first state to legally accept civil unions between homosexuals, but not marriage. -
Marriage Legal in Massachusetts
Same sex marriage became legal in Massachusetts. -
Civil Unions in Connecticut
Civil Unions became legal in Connecticut. -
Civil Unions in New Jersey
Civil Unions became legal in New Jersey. -
Equal Rights in the Workplace
The House of Representatives approves the bill ensuring equal rights for homosexuals in the workplace. -
Bye Bye "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
The Senate repeals the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. -
Obama Endorses Gay Marriage
President Barack Obama formally endorses same sex marriage. -
Gay Marriage: LEGAL in all 50 states!
On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court voted that gay marriage was legal and constitutional.