6.2 History of LGBTQ+ rights movement

The LGBTQ+ rights movement has been a long struggle for equality and acceptance. From early activism in the 1900s to the Stonewall Riots in 1969, the community has fought against discrimination and oppression. The movement gained momentum in the 1970s with the formation of activist groups and Pride marches.

The AIDS crisis in the 1980s sparked new activism, while legal battles for employment rights and marriage equality continued. Today, the movement focuses on intersectionality, global rights, and ongoing issues like conversion therapy bans. Progress has been made, but challenges remain in achieving full equality.

Origins of LGBTQ+ activism

• Early LGBTQ+ activism emerged in response to societal oppression and criminalization of same-sex relationships and gender nonconformity
• These pioneering movements laid the groundwork for future organized efforts to secure equal rights and challenge discriminatory laws and attitudes

Early 20th century movements

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• In the early 1900s, some European cities saw the emergence of gay and lesbian subcultures and early advocacy efforts
• Magnus Hirschfeld, a German doctor, founded the Scientific-Humanitarian Committee in 1897 to advocate for the repeal of anti-homosexuality laws
• In the United States, the Society for Human Rights, founded by Henry Gerber in Chicago in 1924, was one of the earliest known gay rights organizations

Homophile organizations of 1950s

• The 1950s saw the rise of "homophile" organizations, which sought to promote understanding and acceptance of homosexuality
• The Mattachine Society, founded in Los Angeles in 1950, was one of the most prominent homophile groups, focusing on education and legal reform
• The Daughters of Bilitis, founded in San Francisco in 1955, was the first lesbian rights organization in the United States, providing support and advocacy for lesbians

Compton's Cafeteria Riot of 1966

• In August 1966, a riot broke out at Compton's Cafeteria in San Francisco's Tenderloin district after police harassed and arrested transgender patrons
• The uprising, led by transgender women of color, is considered one of the first recorded instances of collective resistance against anti-LGBTQ+ police harassment in U.S. history
• The riot demonstrated the growing frustration and resistance of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender individuals, against systemic oppression and violence

Stonewall Riots of 1969

• The Stonewall Riots were a series of spontaneous demonstrations by members of the LGBTQ+ community against a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City's Greenwich Village on June 28, 1969
• The riots are widely considered the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States and around the world

Police raid on Stonewall Inn

• In the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a popular gathering place for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those who were most marginalized, such as drag queens, transgender people, and homeless youth
• Police raids on gay bars were common at the time, as homosexuality was still criminalized in many states, and LGBTQ+ people faced widespread discrimination and harassment

Uprising and resistance

• As police began arresting patrons and employees of the Stonewall Inn, tensions escalated, and the crowd outside the bar grew increasingly angry
• Patrons and bystanders began throwing objects at the police, and the situation quickly escalated into a full-scale riot that lasted for several days
• The uprising marked a significant shift in the LGBTQ+ community's response to police harassment and oppression, as individuals fought back against the authorities and demanded their rights

Catalyst for modern LGBTQ+ movement

• The Stonewall Riots galvanized the LGBTQ+ community and sparked a new era of activism and organizing
• In the wake of the riots, numerous LGBTQ+ rights organizations formed, such as the Gay Liberation Front and the Gay Activists Alliance, which embraced more confrontational tactics and demanded an end to discrimination
• The riots also inspired the first Pride marches, which were held in New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago on the first anniversary of the uprising in 1970, laying the foundation for the annual Pride celebrations that continue to this day

Gay Liberation Movement of 1970s

• The Gay Liberation Movement of the 1970s emerged in the wake of the Stonewall Riots and marked a new era of LGBTQ+ activism characterized by increased visibility, pride, and a demand for equal rights
• The movement sought to challenge societal norms, combat discrimination, and create a more inclusive and accepting society for LGBTQ+ individuals

Formation of activist groups

• Numerous LGBTQ+ activist organizations formed in the 1970s, such as the Gay Liberation Front, the Gay Activists Alliance, and the National Gay Task Force (later renamed the National LGBTQ Task Force)
• These groups embraced more radical and confrontational tactics, such as protests, sit-ins, and direct action, to demand an end to discrimination and oppression
• The groups also worked to create community support networks, provide resources and education, and advocate for legal and social reforms

Pride marches and celebrations

• The first Pride marches were held in 1970 in New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago to commemorate the first anniversary of the Stonewall Riots
• These marches marked a significant shift in the LGBTQ+ community's visibility and pride, as individuals openly celebrated their identities and demanded equal rights
• Pride celebrations quickly spread to other cities and countries, becoming an annual tradition and a powerful symbol of LGBTQ+ resilience, unity, and activism

Removal of homosexuality as mental disorder

• In 1973, following years of advocacy and pressure from LGBTQ+ activists, the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)
• This decision was a major victory for the Gay Liberation Movement, as it challenged the long-standing stigma and pathologization of homosexuality
• The removal of homosexuality from the DSM helped to shift public perceptions and paved the way for greater social acceptance and legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals

AIDS crisis and activism

• The AIDS crisis of the 1980s and 1990s had a devastating impact on the LGBTQ+ community and sparked a new wave of activism and organizing
• As the government and mainstream society initially ignored the crisis, LGBTQ+ activists mobilized to demand action, raise awareness, and support those affected by the epidemic

Impact on LGBTQ+ community

• The AIDS crisis disproportionately affected the LGBTQ+ community, particularly gay and bisexual men, who made up the majority of early cases
• The epidemic claimed the lives of countless LGBTQ+ individuals and had a profound impact on the community, both in terms of loss and the stigma and discrimination faced by those affected
• The crisis also exposed the deep inequalities and lack of support for LGBTQ+ people within healthcare and social services

ACT UP and direct action

• The AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) formed in 1987 in response to the government's inadequate response to the AIDS crisis
• ACT UP employed direct action tactics, such as protests, die-ins, and civil disobedience, to demand increased funding for AIDS research, improved access to treatment, and an end to discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS
• The group's confrontational approach and powerful visual campaigns, such as the "Silence = Death" poster, helped to raise awareness and pressure government officials and pharmaceutical companies to take action

Queer Nation and visibility

• Queer Nation, an LGBTQ+ activist group that formed in 1990, focused on increasing visibility and challenging societal norms through provocative tactics and slogans, such as "We're here, we're queer, get used to it"
• The group sought to reclaim the word "queer" as a positive identity and to challenge the assimilationist approach of some LGBTQ+ organizations
• Queer Nation's actions, such as "kiss-ins" and poster campaigns, helped to increase LGBTQ+ visibility and challenge heteronormative assumptions in public spaces

Fight for legal rights

• Throughout the history of the LGBTQ+ rights movement, activists have fought to challenge discriminatory laws and secure legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals
• These efforts have focused on a range of issues, including the decriminalization of same-sex relationships, employment non-discrimination, and hate crime legislation

Sodomy laws and challenges

• Until the early 2000s, many U.S. states had laws criminalizing consensual same-sex sexual activity, known as sodomy laws
• LGBTQ+ activists challenged these laws in court, arguing that they violated the constitutional rights to privacy and equal protection
• In the landmark 2003 case Lawrence v. Texas, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down sodomy laws nationwide, ruling that they were unconstitutional and violated the right to privacy

Employment non-discrimination efforts

• LGBTQ+ individuals have long faced discrimination in employment, with many facing harassment, denial of promotions, and termination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity
• Activists have worked to secure employment non-discrimination protections at the local, state, and federal levels
• In 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Bostock v. Clayton County that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity

Hate crime legislation advocacy

• LGBTQ+ individuals are disproportionately targeted for hate crimes, including physical violence, harassment, and intimidation
• Activists have advocated for the passage of hate crime laws that specifically include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected categories
• The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, signed into law in 2009, expanded federal hate crime law to include crimes motivated by a victim's actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity

Marriage equality movement

• The fight for marriage equality has been a central focus of the LGBTQ+ rights movement, as same-sex couples have sought the legal recognition and benefits associated with marriage
• The movement has faced significant challenges and setbacks but ultimately achieved a historic victory with the nationwide legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States

Early same-sex marriage cases

• In the early 1970s, several same-sex couples filed lawsuits seeking the right to marry, but these early cases were unsuccessful
• In 1993, the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled in Baehr v. Lewin that denying same-sex couples the right to marry violated the state constitution's equal protection clause, setting the stage for further legal challenges

Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)

• In response to the Hawaii Supreme Court's decision and the growing push for marriage equality, the U.S. Congress passed the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in 1996
• DOMA defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman for federal purposes and allowed states to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states
• LGBTQ+ activists challenged DOMA in court, arguing that it was unconstitutional and discriminatory

Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court decision

• In June 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, ruling that the Constitution guarantees the right to same-sex marriage nationwide
• The 5-4 decision invalidated state bans on same-sex marriage and required all states to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states
• The decision marked a historic victory for the LGBTQ+ rights movement and a significant step towards full equality for LGBTQ+ individuals and families

Transgender rights movement

• The transgender rights movement has fought for the recognition, rights, and inclusion of transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals
• Activists have worked to challenge discrimination, secure legal protections, and increase visibility and understanding of transgender identities

Transgender activism and visibility

• Transgender activists have played a crucial role in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, advocating for the specific needs and rights of transgender individuals
• Pioneers like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera were instrumental in the early days of the movement, participating in the Stonewall Riots and founding organizations like Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR)
• In recent years, increased media representation and the visibility of transgender celebrities, such as Laverne Cox and Caitlyn Jenner, have helped to raise awareness and challenge societal assumptions about gender identity

Gender identity non-discrimination laws

• Transgender activists have fought for the inclusion of gender identity in non-discrimination laws, protecting transgender individuals from discrimination in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations
• Many states and localities have passed laws prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity, while others have faced challenges and backlash
• In 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Bostock v. Clayton County affirmed that federal employment non-discrimination law (Title VII) protects transgender individuals

Bathroom bill controversies

• The fight for transgender rights has often centered around access to public restrooms and other gender-segregated facilities
• Opponents of transgender rights have pushed for so-called "bathroom bills" that seek to restrict transgender individuals' access to restrooms and other facilities that align with their gender identity
• Transgender activists have challenged these bills, arguing that they are discriminatory and put transgender individuals at risk of harassment and violence

Intersectionality and inclusion

• The concept of intersectionality, which recognizes the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender, has become increasingly important in the LGBTQ+ rights movement
• Activists have worked to address the specific challenges and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals who hold multiple marginalized identities and to create a more inclusive movement

LGBTQ+ people of color

• LGBTQ+ people of color often face unique challenges and discrimination based on the intersection of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and race
• Activists have called attention to the need for greater representation and inclusion of LGBTQ+ people of color within the movement and for addressing issues such as racism, economic inequality, and police brutality that disproportionately impact these communities
• Organizations like the National Black Justice Coalition and the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance have worked to advocate for the specific needs and rights of LGBTQ+ people of color

Bisexual and pansexual inclusion

• Bisexual and pansexual individuals have often been marginalized or rendered invisible within the LGBTQ+ community and the broader society
• Activists have worked to increase visibility and understanding of bisexual and pansexual identities and to challenge assumptions and stereotypes about these orientations
• The Bisexual Resource Center and other organizations have provided support, resources, and advocacy for bisexual and pansexual individuals

Asexual and aromantic recognition

• Asexual and aromantic individuals, who experience little or no sexual or romantic attraction, have often been overlooked or misunderstood within the LGBTQ+ community
• Activists have sought to increase recognition and inclusion of asexual and aromantic identities within the movement and to challenge assumptions about the centrality of sexual and romantic attraction to human experience
• The Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN) has worked to promote understanding and acceptance of asexual and aromantic individuals

Global LGBTQ+ rights

• The fight for LGBTQ+ rights is a global struggle, with activists working to challenge discrimination, criminalization, and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals in countries around the world
• While some countries have made significant progress in recognizing and protecting LGBTQ+ rights, others continue to criminalize same-sex relationships and persecute LGBTQ+ individuals

Criminalization vs. acceptance worldwide

• As of 2021, consensual same-sex sexual activity remains criminalized in over 70 countries, with penalties ranging from imprisonment to the death penalty
• In contrast, a growing number of countries have legalized same-sex marriage, enacted anti-discrimination laws, and taken steps to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals
• The global landscape of LGBTQ+ rights remains complex and varied, with ongoing struggles for equality and acceptance in many parts of the world

International LGBTQ+ organizations

• International LGBTQ+ organizations, such as the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) and OutRight Action International, work to support LGBTQ+ activists and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights globally
• These organizations provide resources, training, and advocacy support to local LGBTQ+ groups, monitor the status of LGBTQ+ rights worldwide, and engage with international human rights mechanisms to promote equality and non-discrimination
• Regional networks, such as the Asian Pacific Coalition on Male Sexual Health (APCOM) and the Caribbean Forum for Liberation and Acceptance of Genders and Sexualities (CariFLAGS), focus on the specific challenges and needs of LGBTQ+ communities in their respective regions

Ongoing struggles and victories

• Despite progress in some parts of the world, LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face significant challenges and human rights abuses in many countries
• In Chechnya, gay and bisexual men have been targeted, detained, and tortured by authorities in a campaign of violence and persecution
• In Uganda, the government has sought to pass harsh anti-LGBTQ+ laws, including the death penalty for homosexuality, though these efforts have faced international condemnation and legal challenges
• Activists continue to fight for the decriminalization of same-sex relationships, legal recognition of same-sex partnerships, and protection from discrimination and violence in countries around the world

Contemporary issues and activism

• As the LGBTQ+ rights movement has made significant progress in recent decades, activists continue to address ongoing challenges and push for full equality and inclusion
• Contemporary issues include the fight against conversion therapy, the rights of transgender individuals to serve in the military, and the ongoing struggle for non-discrimination protections and social acceptance

Conversion therapy bans

• Conversion therapy, also known as reparative therapy, refers to the discredited practice of attempting to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity through psychological or spiritual interventions
• LGBTQ+ activists have worked to ban conversion therapy, arguing that it is harmful, ineffective, and based on the false assumption that LGBTQ+ identities are mental disorders or moral failings
• As of 2021, 20 U.S. states and several countries have banned conversion therapy for min