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Introducing our #WallForACause installation by Brooklyn based queer artist Shanée Benjamin.
The artwork is both a memorial and a celebration of how far the LGBTQ+ community has come, and serves as a reminder of how much more work there is to do. #SeeUsHearUs
The artwork is both a memorial and a celebration of how far the LGBTQ+ community has come, and serves as a reminder of how much more work there is to do. #SeeUsHearUs
1924 - The Society for Human Rights in Chicago is the first recognized gay rights organization in the US. @HRC, @ILGAWORLD and @glaad are at the forefront of the community today.
1925 - "Ma" Rainey, "Mother of Blues," is arrested in her home in Harlem for organizing a lesbian salon. Bessie Smith bails her out of jail the following day.
1952 - Christine Jorgensen becomes the first widely publicized person to have undergone gender affirming surgery. Upon her return to the U.S., her childhood home quickly becomes the site of a media frenzy and is featured by @nyclgbtsites as one of NYC's LGBT historical sites.
1956 - "Giovanni's Room" is published by James Baldwin. This book is the first of its kind to bring a complex representation of homosexuality and bisexuality to a reading public. Follow @LGBTQReads to discover more great queer literature.
1961 - José Sarria becomes the first openly gay person to campaign for public office in the United States when he runs for the San Francisco Board of Supervisors (@sfbos).
1966 - Inspired by the Civil Rights Sit-ins, members of The Mattachine Society, one of the earliest LGBT organizations, stage a Sip-in at @JuliusBarNYC to challenge the refusal of service to the gay community.
1969 - At 1:20am on Saturday June 28th, the NYC Police Department raids the Stonewall Inn as part of an ongoing crackdown of LGBTQ+ friendly bars. After the crowds begin to swell outside the bar, rioting ensues. The Stonewall riots, in turn, spark the Gay Liberation movement.
1978 - San Francisco artist and US military veteran, Gilbert Baker, creates the Rainbow Pride flag as a symbol for the LGBTQ+ community. Follow @QueerArtNYC to discover more LGBTQ art and artists.
1980 - Over 200 Black women around the country gather in San Francisco for "Becoming Visible: The First Black Lesbian Conference," creating a space to affirm their identity and build a national network. @BeyondBoldBrave is one organization continuing this mission.
1992 - The World Health Organization (@WHO), declassifies same-sex attraction as a mental disorder.
1998 - @TammyBaldwin becomes the first openly gay woman and first openly LGBT non-incumbent elected to the United States Congress, paving the way for Dylan Orr, @LightfootForChi, and so many others.
2015 - The US Supreme Court declares same-sex marriage legal across the country. #LoveIsLove becomes a rallying social movement in support of LGBTQ+ rights.
