This Day in Queer History

On this day, Major Michael Pitt-Rivers was born. His 1950s trial for buggery in Britain brought public attention and fierce opposition to the laws criminalizing homosexual acts, helping shift the national conversation.

On this day, author Marijane Meaker was born. Writing as Vin Packer, she published Spring Fire in 1952, the first lesbian paperback novel, launching an entire genre and selling 1.5 million copies.

On this day, roughly 200,000 people walked across the Golden Gate Bridge on its opening day in San Francisco. The bridge became a beloved symbol of the city's queer community.

On this day in 1987, Lambda Book Report debuted as the first periodical devoted exclusively to lesbian and gay literature, giving queer writers and readers a home of their own.

On this day, President Boris Yeltsin decriminalized consensual adult male sodomy in Russia. The decree ended decades of Soviet-era persecution, though the gains proved fragile as anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment later resurged.

On this day, Canadian Olympic pole vaulter Shawn Barber was born. The world champion came out publicly in 2017, writing: 'Gay and proud!' He credited his parents as his greatest support.

On this day in 2006, activists attempted Moscow's first Pride march despite an official ban. Neo-Nazi groups and Orthodox protesters beat the marchers while police arrested about 50 participants. The event has been banned every year since.