This Day in Queer History

On this day, the Massachusetts State Senate approved a bill protecting lesbian and gay public school students from discrimination, taking a stand for the safety of LGBTQ+ youth.

On this day, the American Medical Association declared its opposition to 'curing' lesbians and gay men, urging nonjudgmental recognition of sexual orientation. Science stood with dignity.

On this day, President Clinton hosted the first White House Conference on AIDS, 14 years into the epidemic. His active support reversed the neglect of Reagan and Bush as over 500,000 Americans had been diagnosed.

On this day in 1998, conservative Republican congressman Michael Huffington came out publicly. His decision challenged assumptions about gay identity within the GOP and made national headlines.

On this day in 1998, reports revealed that California's Eloise Anderson had spent four years defying Gov. Pete Wilson's order to withdraw her directive allowing gay and lesbian couples to adopt. She insisted stable homes matter more than marital status.

On this day in 2001, Trembling Before G-d was released in Israel. The documentary by Sandi Simcha DuBowski follows lesbian and gay Orthodox Jews navigating the tension between their sexuality and their faith.

On this day, Elio Di Rupo was named Prime Minister of Belgium, becoming the second openly gay male head of government in the world. He served until 2014, leading with distinction and visibility at the highest level.