Gay history is not separate from human history; it is an integral part of our shared narrative. Understanding and celebrating gay history is crucial because it unveils the diverse tapestry of human experiences, challenges societal norms, and reminds us of the resilience, courage, and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community throughout time.

Understanding and learning about the history of marginalized communities is a crucial step toward building a more inclusive and accepting society. One such history that deserves our attention is gay history, which sheds light on the struggles, achievements, and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout time. Exploring gay history not only provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by sexual and gender minorities, but it also helps us recognize their resilience, activism, and cultural impact. By delving into gay history, we can foster empathy, challenge prejudice, and work towards creating a world where everyone is respected and celebrated for who they are.

Class will consist of student check in (chatting at the beginning of class and a visual check in)
Topic and Trigger Warning Review
Brief introduction to the topic and knowledge check
Videos and conversation related to the topic. 

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June 29: The Stonewall Riots: The pivotal event in the gay rights movement that took place in 1969, marking a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

July 6: Decriminalization of Homosexuality: Over the years, several countries and states have decriminalized homosexuality, removing laws that criminalized consensual same-sex relationships. In 1973, the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders, challenging the prevailing view that being gay was pathological. This shift in the medical community helped pave the way for legal changes that decriminalized homosexuality in many jurisdictions.

July 13: Marriage Equality: The fight for marriage equality has been a significant milestone in the gay rights movement. In 2001, the Netherlands became the first country to legalize same-sex marriage, followed by several others in subsequent years. In 2015, the United States Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that same-sex couples have the constitutional right to marry, extending marriage equality across all 50 states.

July 20: Repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT): "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was a policy enacted in the United States in 1993 that prohibited openly gay individuals from serving in the military. It forced LGBTQ+ service members to hide their sexual orientation to avoid dismissal. In 2011, President Barack Obama signed the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act, officially ending the policy and allowing gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals to serve openly in the U.S. armed forces.

July 27 LGBTQ+ Anti-Discrimination Laws: The passage of anti-discrimination laws has been crucial in protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. In various countries and regions, laws have been enacted to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in areas such as employment, housing, public accommodations, and healthcare. The specific legislation and scope of protections vary across jurisdictions, but they have been instrumental in advancing LGBTQ+ rights and promoting equality.

August 10:The AIDS Crisis: The devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s and its profound effect on the gay community, as well as the activism and advocacy that emerged in response.


August 17: The Lavender Scare: The persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals during the McCarthy era in the United States, with a specific focus on the government's targeting of gay and lesbian federal employees.

August 24: LGBTQ+ Representation in Media: The evolution of LGBTQ+ representation in film, television, literature, and other forms of media, including landmark moments, breakthroughs, and the impact on societal perceptions.

August 31: Decriminalization and Legalization: The historical context and struggles for the decriminalization of homosexuality in different countries, the fight for equal rights, and the achievement of legal recognition for same-sex relationships.

September 7: Transgender History: Exploring the contributions, challenges, and milestones within transgender history, including the Stonewall uprising's connection to trans activists and the ongoing struggle for trans rights.

September 14: No class due to Fairy Festival

September 21: Alan Turing (1912-1954): Turing was a British mathematician and computer scientist who played a pivotal role in breaking the German Enigma code during World War II. His work significantly influenced the development of modern computing

September 28: Harvey Milk (1930-1978): Milk was an American politician and the first openly gay elected official in the state of California. He became a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and worked tirelessly to fight discrimination against the community.

Frida Kahlo (1907-1954): Kahlo was a Mexican painter known for her vibrant self-portraits. She explored themes of identity, gender, and sexuality in her artwork and became an iconic figure in the art world.

Marsha P. Johnson (1945-1992): Johnson was an African American transgender activist and a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. She played a crucial role in the Stonewall uprising of 1969, which marked a turning point for gay rights in the United States.

Matthew Shepard

Virginia Woolf (1882-1941): Woolf was a British writer and one of the foremost modernist literary figures of the 20th century. She addressed gender and sexuality in her works and made significant contributions to feminist and queer literature.

Magnus Hirschfeld (1868-1935): Hirschfeld was a German physician and sexologist who advocated for the decriminalization of homosexuality and the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. He founded the Scientific-Humanitarian Committee, one of the first gay rights organizations.

Lili Elbe (1882-1931): Elbe, originally known as Einar Wegener, was a Danish transgender woman and one of the earliest recipients of gender confirmation surgery. Her story brought attention to transgender issues and advanced medical understanding of gender identity.

Martina Navratilova (b. 1956): Navratilova is a Czech-born American tennis player and one of the greatest athletes in the history of the sport. As an openly lesbian athlete, she has been a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and equality in sports.

Audre Lorde (1934-1992): Lorde was an African American writer, feminist, and civil rights activist. Her poetry and essays explored intersectional issues, including race, sexuality, and gender, making her an influential figure in both the LGBTQ+ and feminist 
movements.

Tim Cook (b. 1960): Cook is the CEO of Apple Inc. and the first openly gay CEO of a Fortune 500 company. He has used his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and workplace inclusivity, contributing to the advancement of LGBTQ+ acceptance in the corporate world.

Bayard Rustin Rustin to have a more background role in the Civil Rights Movement. He never wanted his sexuality to have a negative effect on the Movement, which is often the reason that Rustin's efforts are not widely known.

 LGBTQ+ Activism and Organizing: The history of LGBTQ+ activism, from early organizations like the Mattachine Society and Daughters of Bilitis to contemporary advocacy groups like Human Rights Campaign and GLAAD.