This Day in Queer History

On this day in 1921, Patrick Dennis was born. The bisexual creator of Auntie Mame became the only author to have three novels on the New York Times bestseller list simultaneously. The manuscript was rejected 15 times before publication.

On this day in 1969, Fight Repression of Erotic Expression (FREE) formed at the University of Minnesota. Member Jack Baker later became the first openly gay student body president and the first to seek legal same-sex marriage.

On this day in 1970, Jack Baker and Mike McConnell applied for a marriage license in Minnesota. After being denied, they found a way, marrying legally in 1971 and remaining together ever since.

On this day in 1974, Saskatoon Gay Action hosted the first prairie conference of gay organizations, building community and solidarity across the Canadian heartland.

On this day in 1978, Rev. Brent Hawkes was installed as pastor of MCC Toronto at the second annual Canadian conference of the Metropolitan Community Church, strengthening queer faith across the country.

On this day, Dr. Lawrence D. Mass published the first-ever report on what would become known as AIDS, three weeks before the CDC's notice. He co-founded Gay Men's Health Crisis and spent decades on the front lines of the epidemic.

On this day in 1987, Mondaire Jones was born. The attorney and politician became one of the first openly gay Black members of Congress, representing New York's 17th district and breaking barriers at the highest levels of government.

On this day, the Belgian Parliament voted to allow same-sex couples to adopt children. The decision extended full family rights to queer couples, recognizing that love, not orientation, makes a parent.