This Day in Queer History

On this day in 1858, the Ottoman Empire decriminalized consensual homosexuality, making it one of the earliest major powers to do so. Progress doesn't always begin where we expect.

On this day, actress Amanda Bearse was born. Best known as Marcy on Married... with Children, she came out as a lesbian in 1993 and has been openly living her truth ever since.

On this day in 1963, Whitney Houston was born. One of music's best-selling artists, her intimate relationship with Robyn Crawford revealed the private love behind the iconic voice.

On this day in 1970, Sharon Afek was born. He became the Israel Defense Forces' first openly gay major general, the highest-ranking and most senior Israeli military officer to come out publicly.

On this day in 1973, NYC Police Commissioner Donald Cawley issued a directive prohibiting officers from using derogatory terms to refer to homosexuals. A small step, long overdue.

On this day in 1986, Gay Games II opened in San Francisco with nearly 3,500 athletes from 17 countries competing in 17 sports, celebrating queer athletic excellence on a global stage.

On this day in 1990, Sarah McBride was born. She became the first transgender state senator in U.S. history and the first openly trans person to address a major party convention.

On this day in 1995, Justice Smith was born. The Detective Pikachu star came out as queer at a 2020 racial justice protest, declaring: 'If your revolution does not include Black Queer voices, it is anti-Black.'

On this day, Oregon Judge Stephen Gallagher ruled the state must offer benefits to partners of gay employees, defying anti-gay groups who called it 'the destruction of the whole notion of family.'

On this day, Dr. Saul Levin was appointed president of the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, the leading organization of LGBTQ+ health professionals advancing equality in healthcare since 1981.

On this day in 2004, Miami Beach, Florida opened a domestic partner registry, giving same-sex couples in the Sunshine State a new path toward legal recognition.

On this day in 2007, Democratic presidential candidates appeared at an HRC forum on LOGO. Most supported civil unions but not marriage. All Republican candidates declined to participate.