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Illinois Repels Sodomy Law
On Jan 1st, Illinois became the first stae to do away with its anti-sodomy law, which allowed the state to prosecute those who commited homosexual acts. This is largely seen as the first step in the Gay Rights Campaign. -
Stonewall Inn Riots
A mob owned gay-bat operating in Manhattan's Greenwich Village was targeted by a police crack-down aimed at routing out homosexuals in the city. A sympathetic crowd who witnessed the raid on the Stonewall Inn responded with civil unrest. The resulting riot lasted three days. -
First Gay Pride Parade
On the anniversary of the Stonewall Inn riots, organizers in New York, Chicage, and L.A. coordinated the first Gay Pride Parade. -
Homosexuality No Longer a 'Disorder'
The 1974 edition of the American Psychological Society Handbook removes homosexuality from its list of mental 'disorders'. -
1st Gay Elected Official
Elaine Nobel is elected to the Massachusets House of Representatives, making her the first elected official to be openly gay. -
Harvey Milk
Harvey Milk, another openly gay public official, is elected into the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. -
Milk Murdered
Harvey Milk is muredered by an ex-San Francisco Supervisor, Dan White. Milk becomes the first (but no the last) martyr for the LGBT cause. -
White Night Riots
Dan White is given a lenient sentence for the murder of Harvey Milk. Activist in San Francisco, angered by the cases outcome, riot in the streets. -
1980 DNC
At the 1980 Democratic National Convention, the Deomcratic Party voice its open support of the LGBT community and the Gay Rights Movement. -
AIDS Epidemic
The first cases of AIDS are reported in America, creating the AIDS epiemic which was used by opponents of the Gay Rights Movement to cast the homosexual community in a negative light. -
Benefits for Domestic Partnerships
The 'Village Voice" becomes the 1st business to extend health benefits to same-sex domestic-partnerships. -
Hawaii & Gay Marriage
In 1993, Hawaii 'kinda' legalizes gay marriage, in so much as it reprels laws that prohibit it. A shaky situaiton, one which haunts Hawaii later on... -
Don't Ask, Dont Tell
President Bill Clinton writes 'Don't ask, don't tell' into law. The measure prohibits enlisted soldiers from admitting homosexuality and prohibits officers from questioning the sexuality of the men under their command. It is seen as a serious step back for the Gay Rights cause, especially coming for the political party that alligned with them only 13 years prior. -
Defense of Marriage Act
A second blow from Clinton. This law defines marriage as a union bewteen a man and a woman, effectively saying that same sex marriages are not and will not be recognized by fedral law. -
Matt Shepard
The mangled body of Matthew Shepard is found. The18 year-old Wyoming University student had been torutred and murdered for being gay. -
California Grants Hospital Visitation Rights
California recognizes the rights of same-sex spouses to visit their significant others with the same access as a traditional couple. -
Vermont Allows Civil Unions
Vermont becomes the first state to allow civil unions among same sex couples. Not quite the right to marry, but we're getting closer... -
No More Sodomy Laws
The Supremem Court, through their 6-3 decision on Lawrence v. Texas, declares all state laws regarding sodomy are unconsitiutional. -
Massachusetts Legalizes Gay Marriage
Massachusettes become the first state to fully legalize gay marriage. Homosexual couples flock to the state to say their vows. -
California Lifts Gay Marriage Ban
California declares it's current ban on same sex marriage to be unconstitutional and repeals it, allowing for gay marriages to be conducted in the state. -
Several States Legalize Gay Marriage
New Hampshire, Iowa, and Vermont Legalize gay marriages over the course of the year. -
More Legalization
The District of Columbia legalizes gay marriages while Illinois legalizes civil unions. -
DADT Repealed
Bill Clinton's 'Don't ask, don't tell' policiy is repealed, allowing openly gay individuals to serve in the U.S. military. -
And More Legalizations...
Maine, Washington, and Maryland are added to the list of states that recognize same sex marriages. -
And Even More Legalizations
Rhode Island, New Jersy, and Hawaii offically award the legal right to marry to homosexuals. 15 states down, 35 to go...
