This Day in Queer History

On this day in 1855, Robert de Montesquiou was born in Paris. The flamboyant aesthete and poet inspired Proust's Baron de Charlus and shared a devoted relationship with Gabriel Yturri. They rest side by side in Versailles.

On this day, activist and actress Marcella Di Folco was born. After working with Fellini and Rossellini, she transitioned and helped make sex changes legal in Italy in 1982.

On this day in 1972, East Lansing, Michigan became the first city in America to enact gay rights legislation, banning employment discrimination based on homosexuality by a 4-to-1 vote.

On this day in 1986, Desert Hearts premiered, directed by Donna Deitch. Widely regarded as the first positive portrayal of lesbian love on film, it remains a landmark of queer cinema.

On this day in 1996, The Birdcage opened in theaters. Starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane, the comedy brought a queer love story and drag culture to mainstream American audiences with warmth and humor.

On this day, playwright Mart Crowley died. His groundbreaking play The Boys in the Band opened off-Broadway in 1968 and ran for 1,000 performances, transforming how gay lives were seen onstage.