This Day in Queer History

On this day, Truman Capote was born. The openly gay literary icon behind Breakfast at Tiffany's and In Cold Blood lived unapologetically, making his visibility a quiet act of defiance in mid-century America.

On this day, velvet-voiced singer Johnny Mathis was born. One of the most beloved jazz and pop vocalists in American history, he came out publicly in a 1982 interview with Us magazine.

On this day, New York State sued a West 12th Street co-op for trying to evict Dr. Joseph Sonnabend for treating AIDS patients. He won $10,000 and a new lease.

On this day in 2000, Swedish high jumper Kajsa Bergqvist won the Olympic bronze medal. She came out as lesbian in 2011, adding her voice to the growing visibility of LGBTQ+ athletes on the world stage.