This Day in Queer History

On this day, actress Grace Darmond was born. Known in Hollywood's inner circle as the lesbian lover of Jean Acker, Rudolph Valentino's first wife, Darmond navigated an industry where queer lives thrived behind closed doors.

On this day, civil rights pioneer Pauli Murray was born. A lawyer, Episcopal priest, and co-founder of NOW, Murray navigated complex gender and sexual identity while reshaping American law and faith.

Today in queer history, Kaye Ballard was born. The beloved musical theater actress, comedian, and singer was the first to record 'Fly Me to the Moon' and starred on The Mothers-in-Law.

On this day in 1934, Lillian Hellman's The Children's Hour opened on Broadway to rave reviews. The play's sympathetic portrayal of two schoolteachers accused of lesbianism brought queer themes to mainstream American theater.

On this day, Austin activists picketed the American-Statesman for refusing gay organization ads and running 'no gays' housing listings. The paper relented, and the city soon passed an ordinance outlawing orientation-based discrimination.

On this day in 1996, a Wisconsin school district agreed to pay Jamie Nabozny $900,000 for failing to protect him from homophobic bullying. The landmark case became the first successful lawsuit holding schools accountable for anti-gay abuse.

On this day, John Lawrence and Tyrone Garner were fined $125 each for having sex in their home. They refused to pay and challenged the Texas sodomy law, launching the case that would strike down sodomy laws nationwide.

On this day in 2003, the U.S. Congress passed a resolution condemning all human rights violations based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The measure affirmed that LGBTQ+ rights are fundamental human rights.

On this day in 2010, transgender Japanese singer Alaru Nakamura's album Boy-Girl won an Excellent Album award at the Japan Record Awards, celebrating her artistry and visibility as a trans woman in music.

On this day in 2019, Lauren Pulido raised the transgender pride flag over the California state capitol for Trans Day of Remembrance, reportedly the first time the flag flew over any U.S. state capitol.

On this day, transgender pioneer Jan Morris died at 94. One of the first high-profile people to transition, the celebrated Welsh author and travel writer detailed her journey in the groundbreaking memoir Conundrum.