This Day in Queer History

On this day in 1890, Dr. Erwin Gohrbandt was born. In 1931 at Berlin's Charité hospital, he performed the initial operations on the first two people to undergo sex reassignment surgery. Pioneering medicine, quietly revolutionary.

On this day in 1917, bisexual painter Romaine Brooks captured her lover, ballerina Ida Rubinstein, in portraits born from a passionate three-year affair that defied convention and celebrated desire.

On this day, the New York chapter of the Daughters of Bilitis was formed, becoming the first lesbian organization on the East Coast. Barbara Gittings was among the founding members.

On this day in 1971, John Singer and Paul Barwick applied for a marriage license in Seattle. Their lawsuit, Singer v. Hara, became one of the earliest gay marriage cases in American history, decades ahead of its time.

On this day in 1973, still-closeted lesbian Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in straight sets at the Houston Astrodome in the iconic 'Battle of the Sexes,' proving women belonged on the biggest stages.

On this day, Bruce Mailman opened the Saint disco in New York City, heralding what many gay New Yorkers remember as the zenith of the clone era. The legendary club thrived until the AIDS crisis devastated its community.

On this day, the U.S. military officially repealed Don't Ask Don't Tell. After 18 years, LGBTQ+ service members could finally serve openly without fear of discharge.

On this day in 2013, Cassidy Lynn Campbell, 16, became the first transgender public school homecoming queen in the U.S. at Marina High School in Huntington Beach, California.