-
Canada decriminalizes homosexuality.
Pierre Elliot Trudeau sign Bill C-150 decrimalizing homosexuality among other things. -
Stonewall Riots
The three day Stonewall riots in Greenwich Village in New York City launch the modern LGBTQ movement. -
Gay March in Canada
Canada's first gay rights march takes place in Ottawa. -
Period: to
OUT
-
Homosexuality not a Psychiatric Disorder
The American Psychiatric Association removes homosexuality from its list of psychiatric disorders. -
Harvey Milk Elected
Harvey Milk becomes first openly gay man to be elected to public office as City Supervisor in California. -
Mysterious Deaths
Numerous deaths being reported in the gay community of San Fransisco, New York and other gay North American Hubs. -
Assassination of Harvey Milk
Harvey Milk is assassinated by Dan White, political rival and homophobe. Milk later became known as a “martyr for gay rights” and forever known as the "Mayor of Castro Street". -
First American March
The first National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights draws more than 100,000 people. -
Period: to
AIDS
-
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms amended
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees the “right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination.” omitting sexual orientation. -
GRID Announced
Disease responsible for many mysterious deaths due to weakened immune system is identified as GRID (Gay-Related Immune Deficiency), later changed to AIDS (Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome) in 1984. -
Rock Hudson Reveals AIDS Status
Actor Rock Hudson announces he has AIDS, finally bringing the disease into the spotlight and much needed funds for research and development into finding effective treatment. -
Toronto Leads the Way
Hate crime leading to death of Kenneth Zeller spurs Toronto District School Board to implement country’s first program against gay violence and discrimination. -
Foundation of NAMES Project
NAMES Project is founded by Cleve Jones creating the AIDS memorial quilt in memory of Harvey Milk.. Over 46,000 panels presently included. -
Foundation of ACT UP
ACT UP is founded by Larry Kramer in response to the government's inaction towards AIDS education, awareness, and fundraising. -
First Gay Canadian MP Elected
Canada’s Svend Robinson becomes the country’s first openly gay MP. -
Denmark Legalizes Same-Sex Unions
Denmark becomes the first country worldwide to legalize gay and lesbian unions. -
Period: to
PROGRESS
-
Pride Day Proclaimed in Toronto
The City of Toronto officially proclaims Pride Day for the first time. Over 80,000 people attend and celebrate. -
Military Ban Lifted in Canada
Canada lifts the controversial ban on homosexuals in the Canadian Forces. -
Enactment of DADT Policy
“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” enacted by President Bill Clinton in United States banning military personel from openly discussing their sexual orientation. -
Sexual Orientation Added to Canadian Charter
The Supreme Court of Canada rules that sexual orientation should be “read in” the Charter of Rights and Freedoms thanks to the "Egan vs. Canada" case in the Supreme Court. -
Same-sex Couple can Adopt in Ontario
Ontario becomes the first province to allow homosexual couples to adopt children. -
Triangle Program introduced by TDSB
Toronto District School Board begins “Triangle Program”, Canada’s only classroom for GLBT youth. -
Sexual Reassignement Surgery Not Covered
Ontario decides provincial health insurance will no longer pay for sexual reassignment surgery. Manitoba and Alberta follow a year later. -
Equal Rights for Same-Sex Partners
Equal rights and responsibilities in regard to benefits and obligations are granted to same-sex partners by the Supreme Court of Canada. -
First Lesbian MP in Canada
Libby Davies of Vancouver, British Columbia becomes Canada’s first openly lesbian Member of Parliament. -
Period: to
REFORM
-
Foundation of Jer's Vision
Thanks to a large financial settlement, Jeremy Dias creates Jer's Vision to promote a safe "Positive Space" for sexual and social diversity in schools. -
Same-Sex Couples Marrying Begins
British Columbia and Ontario begin marrying same-sex couples. -
ETFO Releases LGBTQ Curriculum Documents
Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario releases “Imagine a World That Is Free from Fear, a K-8 resource that addresses homophobia and heterosexism. -
Legalization of Same-Sex Marriages in Canada
House of Commons passes "Civil Marriage Act" officially sanctioning same-sex marriages nationwide. -
First Gay Separatist Party Leader
Openly gay politician Andre Boisclair is elected leader of the Separatist Party in the province of Quebec. -
Ministry of Education Adds to Curriculum
B.C. Ministry of Education agreed to add elective social justice course to the high school curriculum that includes gay and lesbian issues thanks to Murray and Peter Corren insistence that curriculum discriminated against gay students. -
Same-Sex Marriage Banned in California
Proposition 8 or California Marriage Protection Act is passed in state elections banning same-sex marriage. -
Sean Penn wins Best Actor Oscar
Sean Penn wins Best Actor Oscar for portraying Harvey Milk. Acceptance speech condemned voters in the state of California for banning gay marriage and encouraged equal rights for everyone. -
PHA Releases Gender Identity Document
Public Health Agency of Canada releases thorough Q&A document entitled "Gender Identity in Schools". -
Prom Date
Ontario Superior Court Justice Robert McKinnon rules that a gay student has the right to take his boyfriend to prom. Marc Hall attended his Oshawa Catholic high school prom with his boyfriend. -
ETFO Releases K-8 Kit
Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario releases “Social Justice Begins with Me”, updated K-8 literature-based kit that includes monthly grade-level themes and integrated lessons. -
Foundation of "It Gets Better" Project
“It Gets Better” Project founded by Dan Savage and against bullying. Book also published entitled “Coming Out, Overcoming Bullying and Creating a Life.” -
Foundation of "It Gets Better" Project
“It Gets Better” Project founded by Dan Savage and Terry Miller against bullying. Book subsequently published entitled
“Coming Out, Overcoming Bullying and Creating a Life.” -
NYC Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage
Marriage Equity Act passed by the New York State Senate allowing same-sex couples to marry 42 years after the Stonewall Riots. -
Second Gay MP Elected in Belgium
Elio Di Rupo becomes world's second openly gay Prime Minister of Belgium.