This Day in Queer History

On this day, best-selling author Harold Robbins was born. His novel Dreams Die First featured a bisexual hero, a landmark in mainstream publishing at the time.

On this day, a coalition of homophile organizations staged the nation's first gay pride parade, a 15-car motorcade in Los Angeles, alongside simultaneous demonstrations across the country.

On this day, Ron Buckmire was born in Grenada. The mathematician and queer activist founded the Queer Resources Directory, the oldest and largest LGBTQ+ website on the internet.

On this day in 1969, the Committee for Homosexual Freedom picketed a Tower Records store in San Francisco after employee Frank Denaro was fired for being gay. The protest worked, and Denaro was reinstated.

On this day, Bella Abzug became one of the first major U.S. politicians to openly court the gay vote, addressing the Gay Activists Alliance while running for Congress. She later introduced the first federal gay rights bill.

On this day in 1976, Jimmy Carter announced he would support federal civil rights legislation protecting gays and lesbians, saying he knew of no word or action of Jesus Christ that discriminated against anyone.

On this day in 1977, the largest Canadian gay rights demonstration to date converged on Ontario's legislature with civil rights demands. The Coalition for Gay Rights presented its case for inclusion.

On this day, Cason Crane became the first openly gay man to summit Mt. Everest. He climbed as part of his Rainbow Summit Project to raise awareness for the Trevor Project, proving queer people reach the highest peaks.