This Day in Queer History

On this day in 1757, Alexander Hamilton was born. Probably bisexual, he exchanged love letters with fellow revolutionary John Laurens and was rumored to be Washington's favorite 'boy' among his young patriots.

On this day, Bayard Taylor was born. Though not gay himself, in 1870 he published Joseph and His Friend, possibly the first American novel exploring a homosexual relationship.

On this day, An American Family premiered on PBS, featuring Lance Loud coming out publicly as gay on national television. The groundbreaking documentary series presaged reality TV and queer visibility alike.

On this day in 1974, L'Association homophile de Montréal/Gay Montreal Association held its first public meeting. Queer organizing in Quebec took a formal, public step forward.

On this day, comedian Paul Lynde died of a heart attack at 55. Known as the Center Square on Hollywood Squares, his campy wit poked fun at his barely closeted homosexuality, making him a beloved icon.

On this day, the Wall Street Journal officially allowed staff writers to use the word 'gay' as a synonym for 'homosexual' in articles and headlines, a small but significant shift in mainstream language.

On this day in 2000, Britain lifted its ban on gays serving in the military, ending a discriminatory policy that had forced countless LGBTQ+ service members to hide who they were.

On this day, the Mexican state of Coahuila passed a bill legalizing same-sex civil unions, becoming one of the first states in Mexico to extend legal recognition to same-sex couples.

On this day in 2013, Marco McMillian became the first openly gay candidate for political office in Mississippi, announcing his run for mayor of Clarksdale. He was killed just one month later.

On this day, Stacy Offner became Rabbi of Temple Beth Tikvah. Previously fired in 1987 for coming out as lesbian, she went on to become the first woman vice president of the Union for Reform Judaism, turning rejection into leadership.