This Day in Queer History

On this day in 1817, Henry David Thoreau was born. The transcendentalist who wrote Walden and Civil Disobedience spent his life falling in and out of love with male companions.

On this day in 1868, poet Stefan George was born. A bridge between 19th-century Symbolism and German modernism, his homosexuality shaped works like Algabal and his love poetry to the young Maximin.

Today in queer history, poet and painter Max Jacob entered the world. He led Paris's avant-garde, bridging symbolism and surrealism, before the Gestapo took his life at Drancy.

On this day, Milton Berle was born. Known as 'Mr. Television' and 'Uncle Miltie,' he became America's first major TV star. His frequent cross-dressing on air brought gender play into millions of living rooms during television's golden age.

On this day, Doris Grumbach was born. The novelist and literary critic began a relationship with Sybil Pike after her 1972 divorce. Together they ran Wayward Books in Maine for two decades, building a life of letters and love.

Today in queer history, pianist Van Cliburn was born. The Cold War icon who won the first Tchaikovsky Competition lived a largely private life that became public through a palimony suit from his longtime partner.

On this day, fitness guru Richard Simmons was born. Known for his flamboyant energy and Sweatin' to the Oldies videos, he became a cultural icon while never publicly discussing his own sexuality.

Today in queer history, Cheyenne Jackson was born. The Broadway leading man, actor, and singer came out publicly and became an international ambassador for amfAR and an advocate for LGBTQ youth.

On this day in 1982, France removed homosexuality from its official list of mental illnesses. Nearly a decade before the WHO did the same, France chose science over stigma.

On this day in 1986, the International Lesbian and Gay Association voted nearly unanimously to keep the South African Gay Association as a member after its representative testified against apartheid, affirming solidarity across struggles.

On this day, journalist William Douglas Ireland called for rebuilding the gay movement from the ground up, urging grassroots energy over checkbook activism in a bold essay for The Nation.

On this day, Angela Bowen died at 82. A dance teacher turned activist and professor, she served on the board of the National Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gays and lived fiercely.