6 events documented
On this day, Charles George Gordon was born. The British military hero confided to a friend that he lacked the courage to act on his impulses toward men because of his religious beliefs. He said he hoped to die in battle to prove his manhood.
On this day, Colette was born in France. The novelist behind Gigi was also a mime, actress, and journalist whose affairs with women were as well documented as her liaisons with men. She was nominated for the Nobel Prize in 1948.
During this year, Momma Rose Thompson was born. Mother of Gypsy Rose Lee and inspiration for the musical Gypsy, she later ran a boarding house described as a haven for lesbians in New York.
On this day, Iceland became the first country to legalize abortion, establishing itself early as a progressive leader on bodily autonomy and personal rights.
On this day, the formation of Gay American Indians was reported. Founded by Barbara May Cameron and Randy Burns, GAI became the first Native gay and lesbian organization in the U.S. and sparked the Two Spirit movement.
On this day, charges were dismissed against 16 of 22 men arrested as found-ins at Club Ottawa, a small but meaningful pushback against the policing of queer spaces.
Get a daily email with events that happened on this day in LGBTQ+ history.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.