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The Society for Human Rights was Founded
The Society for Human Rights was founded by Henry Gerber, a World War I veteran, in Chicago, Illinois. This group would be known as the first gay rights organization in the United States.
History of the organization: https://legacyprojectchicago.org/milestone/society-human-rights -
The Lavender Scare
The President of the United States, Dwight Eisenhower, signed an executive order that banned all homosexuals from working in the federal government. The men who were confronted about being homosexuals were deemed into giving names of more gay men working for the government. Video Link:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-lavender-scare-how-the-federal-government-purged-gay-employees/ -
Illinois Decriminalized Homosexuality
By repealing their sodomy laws, Illinois became the first state to decriminalize homosexuality. -
Stonewall Riots
In Manhattan, New York the police raided a small gay bar, The Stonewall Inn. This was the sixth gay bar that had been raided in Manhattan in three weeks. The gay and lesbian citizens rioted and fought back with police for four days. This was seen as the spark that ignited the gay liberation movement. Video Link: https://www.history.com/topics/gay-rights/the-stonewall-riots -
Lambda Legal Established
Lambda Legal was the first legal organization established to fight for the equal rights for gay and lesbian citizens. https://www.lambdalegal.org/about-us/history
