This Day in Queer History

This month in 1929, Larry Parnes was born. The first major British rock manager, this flamboyant gay impresario groomed handsome young men into pop stars, shaping the British music scene of the late 1950s and early '60s.

On this day in 1969, the American Sociological Association became the first national professional organization to endorse gay and lesbian civil rights, condemning oppressive actions based on sexual preference.

On this day in 1971, Jack Baker and Mike McConnell became the first legally married same-sex couple in the United States when a Minnesota clerk granted their license. They remain together to this day.

On this day, the first New Orleans gay pride event, Southern Decadence, was held. It grew into an annual six-day celebration climaxing with a parade through the French Quarter every Labor Day weekend.

On this day in 1980, Toronto Mayor John Sewell endorsed gay activist George Hislop for alderman, sparking media panic about 'gay power politics' at city hall. Hislop lost but kept fighting.

On this day in 1988, the first national U.S. Latina Lesbian conference was held in Los Angeles, creating dedicated space for queer Latinas to gather, organize, and be seen.