This Day in Queer History

On this day in 1826, Thomas McKenny described the 'men-women' of the Chippeway tribe, noting they were indistinguishable from women in every way including voice. Indigenous gender fluidity, documented early.

On this day, Hans Christian Andersen died at 70. The beloved storyteller behind The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling experienced romantic feelings for both men and women throughout his life.

On this day, France lowered the age of consent for same-sex acts from 21 to 15, matching the heterosexual standard and ending decades of legal inequality.

On this day in 1983, the 8th Annual National Reno Gay Rodeo opened despite sniper threats and claims it was 'un-American.' 20,000 people showed up to opening ceremonies, choosing joy over fear.

On this day in 1987, Governor Mario Cuomo announced New York's anonymous confidential HIV testing program. The initiative aimed to understand the epidemic's scope while protecting the identities of those seeking answers about their health.

On this day, a sold-out gospel show organized by Dionne Warwick and Rev. Carl Bean drew 6,500 people and raised $150,000 for the Los Angeles Minority AIDS Project.

On this day, President Clinton signed an executive order forbidding the federal government from denying security clearances based on sexual orientation, dismantling a key weapon of the Lavender Scare era.

On this day, Rome opened its first 'Gay Street,' a 325-yard zone of shops and bars where LGBTQ+ people could feel at ease, amid heated debate over a male couple detained for kissing near the Colosseum.

On this day, Keith Durbin won a seat on the Nashville City Council, becoming Tennessee's first openly gay elected official. His victory proved that queer candidates could win even in the heart of the South.

On this day, Judge Vaughn Walker ruled California's Proposition 8 unconstitutional, striking down the same-sex marriage ban. After retiring, he came out as gay, revealing he was the first known gay federal judge.

On this day in 2010, a federal court declared California's Proposition 8 unconstitutional, striking down the same-sex marriage ban and delivering a landmark victory for marriage equality.

On this day in 2010, Mexico's Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of same-sex marriage in a decisive 8-2 vote, making Mexico City's marriage equality law a national legal landmark.

On this day in 2019, Broadway's first known onstage wedding took place at the Longacre Theatre after a performance of The Prom. Two women said 'I do' on the stage while audience members stayed to witness history.