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Society For Human Rights is created
It was founded by Henry Gerber in Chicago, it was the first gay rights association but it was disbanded soon after due to political pressure. -
First sustained gay rights organization
Harry Hay established the first sustained gay rights organization in order to change people views and prejudices of gay people. -
One, Inc. v. Olesen
The United States Supreme Court rules in favor of the First Amendment rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. The suit was filed after the U.S. Postal Service and FBI declared the magazine obscene material, and it marks the first time the United States Supreme Court rules in favor of homosexuals. -
Illinois Repeals Sodomy Laws
Illinois repeals its sodomy laws, becoming the first U.S. state to decriminalize homosexuality. -
American Psychiatric Association removes homosexuality from mental disorders
The board of the American Psychiatric Association votes to remove homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses. -
75,000 gay people participate in the March on Washington
An estimated 75,000 people participate in the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. LGBT people and straight allies demand equal civil rights and urge for the passage of protective civil rights legislature. -
Democratic Rules Committee states that it will not discriminate against homosexuals
The Democratic Rules Committee states that it will not discriminate against homosexuals. At their National Convention on August 11-14, the Democrats become the first major political party to endorse a homosexual rights platform. -
Wisconsin bans discrimination based on sexual orientation
Wisconsin becomes the first U.S. state to outlaw discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. -
Vermont recognizes gay civil unions
Vermont becomes the first state in the U.S. to legalize civil unions and registered partnerships between same-sex couples. -
Matthew Shepard Act
The Matthew Shepard Act is passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama on October 28th. The measure expands the 1969 U.S. Federal Hate Crime Law to include crimes motivated by a victim's actual or perceived gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. -
Obama no longer defends the Defense of Marriage Act
President Obama states his administration will no longer defend the Defense of Marriage Act, which bans the recognition of same-sex marriage. -
Obergefell v. Hodges
With a 5-4 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, the U.S. Supreme Court declares same-sex marriage legal in all 50 states.
