This Day in Queer History

On this day in 1880, journalist Anna Rüling was born. In 1904, she gave the first known public speech on the legal problems faced by lesbians, making her the first known lesbian activist.

On this day, The New York Times Book Review featured Either is Love by Elisabeth Craigin, a candid first-person story of a married woman who was also in love with a woman.

On this day in 1971, lesbian activist Nancy Cárdenas co-founded the Frente de Liberación Homosexual in Mexico, the country's first public gay liberation organization. Latin American queer resistance had found its voice.

On this day in 1977, Stefan Maysztowicz created the Gay Parallel Republic, a micro-nation spanning 308 square miles near Quebec, centered on the city of Sherbrooke. A bold, imaginative act of queer sovereignty.

On this day, Rep. Gerry Studds returned to his district after his House censure and received three standing ovations. The first openly gay member of Congress, he later married partner Dean Hara in 2004.

On this day, over 100 people protested a lenient six-year sentence for David Thacker, who pleaded guilty to killing a gay man because of his sexual orientation. The maximum was fifteen years. The community demanded justice.

Around this time, Episcopal bishops who supported Rev. Gene Robinson's historic election as an openly gay bishop began receiving hate mail for standing on the right side of history.

On this day in 2005, the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association launched a program to teach straight reporters how to cover LGBTQ+ issues. Better coverage starts with better education.

On this day, Sweden issued the first family-based visa for a same-sex spouse, a direct result of the U.S. Supreme Court's 2013 decision expanding federal recognition of same-sex marriage.

On this day, WWE wrestler Darren Young came out as gay, becoming the first professional wrestler to do so while still signed to a major promotion. WWE released a statement of support, and fellow wrestlers rallied behind him on social media.