A Timeline of Pride: Major Milestones in LGBTQ+ History

Before 1900s

1867 – The First Public Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Rights

• Event: Karl Heinrich Ulrichs, a German lawyer and writer, publicly advocated for the decriminalization of homosexuality.
• Significance: Often considered the first openly gay man to fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

1897 – Formation of the Scientific-Humanitarian Committee

• Event: Magnus Hirschfeld, a German physician, founded the first organization advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.
• Significance: The committee aimed to repeal Germany’s anti-sodomy law, Section 175, and laid the groundwork for modern activism.

1900–1950s

1924 – The First LGBTQ+ Rights Organization in the U.S.

• Event: The Society for Human Rights was founded in Chicago by Henry Gerber.
• Significance: It was the first known LGBTQ+ rights organization in the U.S., though it disbanded quickly due to legal persecution.

1948 – Kinsey Report Published

• Event: Dr. Alfred Kinsey published Sexual Behavior in the Human Male, revealing that same-sex experiences were more common than previously thought.
• Significance: This groundbreaking research challenged societal norms about sexuality.

1960s

1961 – Illinois Decriminalizes Homosexuality

• Event: Illinois became the first U.S. state to repeal its anti-sodomy laws.
• Significance: This marked the first legal recognition of LGBTQ+ rights in the U.S.

1969 – The Stonewall Riots

• Event: A police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City led to days of protests by LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Significance: The riots are considered the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.

1970s

1970 – First Pride Marches

• Event: On the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, the first Pride marches took place in New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
• Significance: Pride marches became annual events worldwide, celebrating LGBTQ+ identities and rights.

1973 – Homosexuality Declassified as a Mental Disorder

• Event: The American Psychiatric Association (APA) removed homosexuality from its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
• Significance: This marked a significant step in reducing stigma against LGBTQ+ individuals.

1978 – Creation of the Rainbow Flag

• Event: Gilbert Baker designed the iconic rainbow flag as a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride.
• Significance: The flag remains a powerful representation of diversity and inclusion.

1980s

1981 – First Reported Cases of HIV/AIDS

• Event: The CDC reported the first cases of HIV/AIDS, initially referred to as “GRID” (Gay-Related Immune Deficiency).
• Significance: The epidemic disproportionately affected the LGBTQ+ community, sparking activism and awareness campaigns.

1987 – The AIDS Memorial Quilt

• Event: The AIDS Memorial Quilt was displayed for the first time in Washington, D.C.
• Significance: It became a poignant symbol of lives lost and the community’s resilience.

1990s

1993 – “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Policy

• Event: The U.S. military implemented the policy, allowing LGBTQ+ individuals to serve as long as they didn’t openly disclose their sexuality.
• Significance: While seen as a compromise, the policy faced criticism for perpetuating discrimination.

1999 – First Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR)

• Event: TDOR was established to honor the memory of transgender individuals lost to violence.
• Significance: It raised awareness about violence against the transgender community.

2000s

2001 – The Netherlands Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

• Event: The Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.
• Significance: This landmark decision inspired similar movements worldwide.

2009 – India Decriminalizes Homosexuality

• Event: The Delhi High Court struck down Section 377, a colonial-era law criminalizing homosexuality.
• Significance: Though the decision was overturned in 2013, it was a pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ rights in India.

2010s

2011 – Repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”

• Event: LGBTQ+ individuals could serve openly in the U.S. military following the repeal.
• Significance: This was a major step toward equality in government institutions.

2015 – U.S. Supreme Court Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

• Event: The landmark Obergefell v. Hodges case legalized same-sex marriage across the United States.
• Significance: This was a watershed moment in the global fight for marriage equality.

2019 – Taiwan Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

• Event: Taiwan became the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage.
• Significance: This was a monumental step for LGBTQ+ rights in a region with limited progress.

2020s

2020 – Protection from Workplace Discrimination (U.S.)

• Event: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects LGBTQ+ employees from workplace discrimination.
• Significance: This decision was a significant advancement in LGBTQ+ legal protections.

2023 – Rise of Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation

• Event: Numerous anti-LGBTQ+ bills, particularly targeting transgender rights, were proposed in countries like the U.S. and Hungary.
• Significance: Demonstrates ongoing challenges and the need for continued advocacy.