This Day in Queer History

On this day, the biblical Jonathan was said to be born. His love for David, described as 'passing the love of women,' stands as one of history's earliest recorded same-sex bonds.

On this day in 1931, James Dean was born. The brooding screen idol became the first major figure of desire for gay and bisexual men, his rebellious presence defining a generation before his death at 24.

On this day, the Gay Liberation Front stormed Barney's Beanery in Los Angeles, demanding removal of a sign reading 'FAGOTS, STAY OUT.' The sign came down. Direct action works.

On this day, Tucson updated its city code to prohibit discrimination based on "sexual and affectional preference," adding early legal protections for LGBTQ+ residents in Arizona.

On this day in 1977, the U.S. government lifted its blanket ban on employing lesbians and gay men, announcing it would consider applications on a case-by-case basis for the foreign service and international agencies.

On this day in 1991, the first U.S. lesbian kiss on television aired on L.A. Law between Amanda Donohoe and Michele Greene, a small but seismic moment for queer representation on screen.

On this day in 2012, the Ninth Circuit ruled Proposition 8 unconstitutional, saying it existed only to impose "a majority's private disapproval" on gay and lesbian Californians. Equality advanced.