This Day in Queer History

On this day, Thomas Eakins was born. One of the most important painters in American art history, his work centered male bodies with unmistakable sensuality, and his constant companion was sculptor Samuel Murray.

On this day in 1865, Dr. James Barry died, and only then was it discovered that the decorated British Army surgeon who served 40 years across Canada and South Africa had been assigned female at birth and lived his entire adult life as a man.

On this day in 1936, Al Carmines was born. A preacher, playwright, and composer, he helped build Off-Off-Broadway theater and staged The Faggot, a bold 1973 musical that ran for 203 performances.

On this day in 1943, Cheryl Christina Crane, lesbian daughter of Hollywood legend Lana Turner, was born. She published a bestselling memoir and married her partner Joyce LeRoy after four decades together.

On this day in 1975, A Chorus Line premiered on Broadway, directed and choreographed by Michael Bennett. It won nine Tonys and a Pulitzer, bringing queer stories to the heart of American theater.

On this day, France became the first country to legislate gay and lesbian rights, amending its penal code to ban discrimination based on 'moral habits,' including homosexuality.

On this day, a spokesperson confirmed that Rock Hudson was suffering from AIDS, making the beloved actor's diagnosis a turning point that galvanized public awareness and support for fighting the epidemic.