While LGBTQ history extends to ancient history, this section focuses on several notable events of the LGBTQ movement in the United States, beginning with the 1950's.

1950 - The Mattachine Society, the first American homophile group, is founded in New York

1969 - Stonewall Riots

1970 - First gay pride parade in New York City

1973 - The American Psychiatric Association removes homosexuality from its DSM-II Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, based largely on the research and advocacy of Evelyn Hooker

1978 - Rainbow flag first used as a symbol of gay and lesbian pride

1978 - International Lesbian and Gay Association is formed

1979 - First national gay rights march in Washington, D.C.

1980 - The Democratic National Convention becomes the first major political party in America to endorse a gay rights platform plank

1994 - American Medical Association denounces "cure" for homosexuality

2004 - Same-sex marriage in the United States: Massachusetts legalizes same-sex marriage in May while eleven other states ban the practice through public referenda in the November elections

2005 - Same-sex marriage in the United States: California extends some marriage rights to same-sex couples

2006 - Illinois outlaws sexual orientation discrimination

Last Modified: May 8, 2007