This Day in Queer History

On this day in 1892, Tchaikovsky wrote to his nephew: 'Oh God! How I want to see you!' Soviet efforts tried to erase his homosexuality, but biographers have confirmed the truth behind some of music's greatest works.

On this day in 1920, a German publication ran an article titled "Uranians of the World Unite!" urging the formation of a worldwide homosexual organization. The call for global queer solidarity began early.

On this day in 1974, the Gay Community Services Center of Los Angeles won tax-exempt status after a three-year battle, securing the financial foundation for one of the nation's earliest LGBTQ+ centers.

On this day, Mel Boozer was nominated for Vice President at the Democratic National Convention. 'I know what it's like to be called nigger, and I know what it's like to be called faggot,' he told delegates. 'The difference? None.'

On this day in 1980, delegate Gwen Craig carried a sign reading 'Black Lesbian Feminist' at the Democratic National Convention. Her bold act of intersectional visibility made queer Black identity impossible to ignore.

On this day in 1985, Los Angeles became the first U.S. city to ban discrimination against people with AIDS in employment, housing, education, and health care, setting a national precedent during the epidemic.

On this day, David Gilmore fought public radio station KUAZ for syndication of Outright Radio, the award-winning nationally syndicated show sharing extraordinary true stories of LGBTQ+ lives across America.

On this day in 2006, Andre Boisclair became leader of the Parti Québécois, making him the first openly gay leader of a major Canadian political party and a trailblazer in Quebec politics.