This Day in Queer History

On this day in 1860, Jane Addams was born. The Nobel Peace Prize winner, Hull House co-founder, and mother of social work shared her life for 40 years with beloved companion Mary Rozet Smith.

On this day, concert pianist and composer John Powell was born in Richmond, Virginia. His life partner was fellow composer Daniel Gregory Mason, and together they shaped American music.

On this day in 1935, a historical overview captures key events and cultural shifts of this era that shaped the world queer communities would soon begin to transform.

On this day, openly gay Bayard Rustin appeared on the cover of LIFE Magazine alongside A. Philip Randolph as organizers of the March on Washington. Dr. King fully supported him.

On this day in 1971, the National Organization for Women passed a resolution officially acknowledging the oppression of lesbians as a legitimate concern of feminism. Solidarity made formal.

On this day, out lesbian activist Sandra Moran was elected to Guatemalan congress, becoming the country's first openly gay member of Congress. A lifelong human rights advocate, she merged activism with revolutionary music.

On this day in 2018, India's Supreme Court legalized consensual gay sex, striking down a colonial-era law and affirming the dignity of millions of LGBTQ+ Indians.