This Day in Queer History

On this day in 1966, Cynthia Nixon was born. The Emmy-winning actress became a visible queer advocate, ran for governor of New York, and married her partner Christine Marinoni in 2012.

On this day in 1986, civil rights leader Bayard Rustin declared that gay people are 'the new barometer for social change,' urging the movement to center its most vulnerable members.

On this day, Kristen Stewart was born. The Twilight star later described herself as "so gay" on Saturday Night Live and has been open about her bisexuality, bringing queer visibility to mainstream Hollywood.

On this day, openly gay Labour member Clive Betts assumed office in the UK Parliament, where he would serve for decades alongside his partner James Thomas.

On this day, Lil Nas X was born. The rapper behind Old Town Road came out as gay while holding the number-one spot on the charts, becoming the first artist ever to do so at the peak of success.

On this day in 2008, Choi Hyun-sook became the first openly gay political candidate to stand for election. Though her bid was unsuccessful, she broke new ground for LGBTQ+ visibility in politics.