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Society for Human Rights
The Society for Human Rights is founded by Henry Gerber, which is the first gay rights organization documented. -
Executive Order
President Dwight D. Eisenhower signs an executive order which bans homosexuals from working for the federal government, because they are said to be a security risk. -
The Stonewall Inn riot
Police raid the gay night club and a large fight begins between bystanders and police. Riots continue for days to support the club and is considered the beginning for gay civil rights activism in the United States. -
Baker v. Nelson
U.S. Supreme Court decides that same-sex couples have no constitutional right to marry. Marriage is defined as between individuals of opposite sex. -
Rainbow Flag
After Milk's death, Gibert Baker is inpired to develop a symbol of pride and hop for the LGBT community and creates the first rainbow flag. -
Homosexuality in the government
Harvey Milk is the first openly gay man to be elected political office in California. Milk is later murdered by Dan White after only serving for 11 months. -
Bowers v. Hardwick
Supreme Court ruled that consensual activities between gay adults was not protected by the Constitution -
DOMA
Over 30 states pass laws under the Defense of Marriage Act, which prohibits same-sex marriage and defines marriage. Within a year, President Clinton signs DOMA into a law -
Vermont
Vermont's Supreme Court ruled that the definition discriminated against same-sex couples. Vermont allowed same-sex couples to enter into "civil unions", which gave them all of the benefits of marriage. -
Bowers v. Hardwick (Pt. 2)
The Supreme Court overturns the 1986 decision and rules that gay people can do as they please in their private lives. -
New Laws
Within 2008, California ruled that same-sex marriage was legal, but then later approved Proposition 8. This made same-sex marriage illegal again. -
States Legalize Same-Sex Marriage
Between 2009-2013, Vermont, New Hampshire, Washington D.C., Iowa, California, New York, Washington, Maryland, New Jersey, Maine, Maryland, Rhode Island, Delaware, and Minnesota legalized gay marriage -
Obergefell v. Hodges
In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court rules that same-sex marriage is protected under the 14th Amendment. All states are forced to legalize gay marriage.
