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Henry Gerber
Henry Gerber, an Army verteran who was once institutionalized for being gay, founded the Society for Human Rights. SHR was the nation's first known homosexual organization but was disbanded due to political pressure. -
Kinsey's Research
Alfred Kinsey, biologist and sex researcher, publishes research regarding homosexual behavior. Many are surprised with his findings. He also created the 'Kinsey Scale', which measures a person's homosexuality and heterosexuality on a scale of 0 (exclusively heterosexual) to 6 (exclusively homosexual). This was groundbreaking in terms of showing that sexuality is fluid. -
Stonewall Riots
A riot started as resistance to police officers raiding a popular gay bar at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, New York City. Many say this sparked the birth of the modern gay rights movement in the US. -
First parade
Exactly one year after the Stonewall Riots, thousands of LGBTs march through New York City. This will come to be known as the first 'gay pride parade' which becomes an annual event not only in NYC but major cities and countries around the world. -
Harvey Milk assassination
Harvey Milk, a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, is assassinated by former city supervisor Dan White. Milk worked tirelessly to protect LGBTs from facing workplace discrimnation. -
Matthew Shepard murder
21-year-old Matthew Shepard was tortured, beaten, and left to die because of his sexual orientation. This hateful act brought national and international attention to hate crimes and resulted in several acts and laws in years to come. -
Marriage Legalized in US
The US became the 21st country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide, granting same-sex couples the legal rights to things such as being recognized on birth and death certificates.
