This Day in Queer History

On this day in 1454, poet Angelo Poliziano was born in Tuscany. Considered the successor to Ovid, he tutored the Medici children while young men from across Europe flocked to study under him.

On this day in 1895, Karl Heinrich Ulrichs died. The openly gay German lawyer was among the earliest to demand repeal of anti-sodomy laws, making him a true pioneer of the modern gay rights movement.

On this day in 1897, Annie Hindle died. The first popular male impersonator in America, she astounded audiences with performances so convincing they forgot her sex. She married her dresser, Annie Ryan, in 1886.

On this day in 1926, Charles Pierce was born. He became one of the 20th century's foremost female impersonators, dazzling audiences with his legendary Bette Davis impression across TV and film.

On this day in 1960, Jane Lynch was born. The openly lesbian actress became a household name as Sue Sylvester on Glee, earning a place among the most visible queer performers on television.

On this day in 1983, Rep. Gerry Studds came out, becoming the first openly gay member of Congress. He later married partner Dean Hara in 2004, one week after Massachusetts legalized same-sex marriage.

On this day in 1983, openly gay gymnast Graham Ackerman was born. He became a three-time NCAA national champion, proving excellence and authenticity go hand in hand.

On this day in 2004, the Yukon Territory became the most northern area in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, extending equality to couples in Canada's far north.

On this day in 2011, California's FAIR Education Act was signed into law, requiring LGBTQ+ contributions to be included in public school curricula. Young people would finally learn their own history.

On this day, the Secretary of the Navy announced that a fleet oiler would be named USNS Harvey Milk, honoring the slain civil rights leader with one of the Navy's newest ships.