This Day in Queer History

On this day in 1899, American Samoa became a U.S. territory. With no sodomy law on its books, it was the only 'free' jurisdiction in the United States at the time.

On this day in 1946, Gianni Versace was born. The iconic designer lived openly with partner Antonio D'Amico, fused fashion with celebrity culture, and redefined glamour on a global stage.

On this day in 1954, actor Dan Butler was born. Known for Frasier's Bulldog, he came out publicly through his one-man show The Only Thing Worse You Could Have Told Me.

On this day, Republican David Cantania became the first openly gay person elected to the Washington, D.C. city council, proving queer representation crosses party lines.

On this day in 2013, Hawaii opened marriage to LGBTQ+ couples for the first time. Residents and tourists alike could finally say 'I do' in the Aloha State.