This Day in Queer History

On this day in 1946, economist John Maynard Keynes died. The founder of modern macroeconomics had early romantic relationships exclusively with men, keeping candid diaries of his many encounters from 1901 to 1915.

On this day, Ric Weiland was born. One of Microsoft's first five employees, he dedicated his post-tech life to LGBTQ+ philanthropy, donating millions to organizations fighting AIDS and discrimination.

On this day, the Mattachine Society staged a Sip-In at Julius Bar in Greenwich Village, challenging laws that banned serving alcohol to homosexuals. The action helped birth the legitimate gay bar scene.

On this day in 1970, filmmaker Alice Wu was born. Her film Saving Face, inspired by her own experience coming out as a lesbian in the Chinese American community, became a beloved queer cinema landmark.

On this day, the University of Saskatchewan Board overturned a recommendation that homosexuality shouldn't affect residence don selection, but accepted that sexual orientation wouldn't factor in faculty or student treatment.

On this day, Václav Fischer became the first openly gay person elected to the Czech Senate, breaking a political barrier as a businessman turned trailblazing politician.