United States of America: Difference between revisions

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This page provides an overview of LGBTQIA+ history in the United States, including key events, legal milestones, and social movements. It highlights both progress and challenges while preserving historical records for research and education. Some materials may reflect outdated or discriminatory views, included here to document the historical context in which they existed.   
This page provides an overview of LGBTQIA+ history in the United States, including key events, legal milestones, and social movements. It highlights both progress and challenges while preserving historical records for research and education. Some materials may reflect outdated or discriminatory views, included here to document the historical context in which they existed.   


= 18th Century =
In the late 19th century, historical accounts and folklore revived interest in the lives of pirates who cross-dressed, or even romanticized lovers such as Anne Bonny and Mary Read. While historical records are unclear on the nature of their bond, their story became part of broader discussions about women defying traditional roles, and for some, a reflection of LGBTQIA+ identities in history. 
* '''Read about [[United States of America 18th Century (Individuals) | 18th Century LGBTQIA+ Individuals]]'''


= 19th Century =
= 19th Century =
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* '''Read more [[United States of America (19th Century) | LGBTQIA+ history in the 19th century]].'''
* '''Read more [[United States of America (19th Century) | LGBTQIA+ history in the 19th century]].'''


= 20th Century =
= 20th Century =  
The early 20th century saw growing awareness of LGBTQIA+ communities alongside increasing government restrictions. In the 1920s, Mae West’s play ''The Drag'', which depicted gay life, was banned. During the 1930s, Nazi Germany intensified persecution, targeting LGBTQIA+ people through book burnings and police raids on gathering spaces. 
Throughout the 20th century, LGBTQIA+ people fought for visibility while facing growing government restrictions. In the 1920s, queer culture thrived in underground spaces, but public depictions were censored. Mae West’s play ''The Drag'', which openly portrayed gay life, was banned before it could reach Broadway.   
 
In the 1940s, reports from Europe revealed that LGBTQIA+ individuals were among those imprisoned in Nazi concentration camps, where they faced brutal conditions and were often marked with pink triangles. In the United States, discrimination continued as LGBTQIA+ service members were discharged under "blue discharges," which denied them veterans' benefits.   


The 1950s brought widespread government firings during the McCarthy era, labeling LGBTQIA+ individuals as security risks. At the same time, *One: The Homosexual Magazine* won a landmark Supreme Court case affirming the right to publish LGBTQIA+ content, challenging censorship laws.   
By the 1930s, governments cracked down harder. In Nazi Germany, LGBTQIA+ people were targeted through book burnings and police raids. Many were sent to concentration camps, marked with pink triangles, and subjected to brutal treatment. Reports of these horrors spread in the 1940s as troops liberated the camps and courts convicted those involved, revealing the extent of Nazi persecution. Afterwards, returning to the U.S., LGBTQIA+ service members faced discrimination and were discharged from the military under "blue discharges," stripping them of veterans’ benefits.   


By the 1960s, LGBTQIA+ activism gained momentum. The Mattachine Society, an early LGBTQIA+ rights organization, fought through the courts for legal recognition and defended itself before Congress. These efforts laid the foundation for future activism, pushing back against laws and policies that had long targeted LGBTQIA+ communities.   
At the height of the Cold War in the 1950s, the U.S. government labeled LGBTQIA+ people as security risks. Thousands lost their jobs in a wave of discrimination, while activists faced censorship. Yet, resistance grew. ''One: The Homosexual Magazine'' won a Supreme Court case protecting its right to distribute, marking one of the first legal victories for LGBTQIA+ rights.   


By the 1960s and 1970s, the government took surveillance even further. Under FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, the agency monitored LGBTQIA+ organizations, tracking activists and gathering intelligence on groups like the Mattachine Society and the Daughters of Bilitis. Despite this, LGBTQIA+ activism gained momentum. The Mattachine Society fought legal battles for recognition, standing up to Congress and the courts. Though challenges remained, their efforts paved the way for future activism, proving that LGBTQIA+ people would not be silenced. 


* '''Read more [[United States of America (20th Century) | LGBTQIA+ history in the 20th century]].'''
* '''Read more [[United States of America (20th Century) | LGBTQIA+ history in the 20th century]].'''
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= State and Territory Archives =
= State and Territory Archives =
* [[Archives By State (USA)]]
* [[State of California]]
* [[State of California]]
* [[State of Colorado]]
* [[State of Colorado]]

Latest revision as of 01:43, 2 March 2025

This page provides an overview of LGBTQIA+ history in the United States, including key events, legal milestones, and social movements. It highlights both progress and challenges while preserving historical records for research and education. Some materials may reflect outdated or discriminatory views, included here to document the historical context in which they existed.

18th Century

In the late 19th century, historical accounts and folklore revived interest in the lives of pirates who cross-dressed, or even romanticized lovers such as Anne Bonny and Mary Read. While historical records are unclear on the nature of their bond, their story became part of broader discussions about women defying traditional roles, and for some, a reflection of LGBTQIA+ identities in history.

19th Century

The 19th century had strict gender roles, but historical records show people living beyond those expectations. Newspaper articles from the 1830s describe women wearing breeches instead of dresses, facing criticism and being labeled "unsexed." Some accounts mention women who lived as men, sometimes for survival or better opportunities, and other situations of transgender men who lived authentically despite legal and social barriers.

Some publications in the 1850s discussed a "third sex," often in response to women wearing shorter skirts and loose trousers known as bloomers. This style, popularized by women's rights activists, challenged expectations of how women should dress and behave. By the 1860s, newspaper articles reference Macintosh balls, gatherings where drag performers and gender expression played a central role, reflecting early forms of ball culture.

One well-documented figure from this period was James Barry (1789–1865), a transgender man and respected surgeon. Historical records like these show that transgender and gender-diverse people have always existed, even if history has not always recognized them.

20th Century

Throughout the 20th century, LGBTQIA+ people fought for visibility while facing growing government restrictions. In the 1920s, queer culture thrived in underground spaces, but public depictions were censored. Mae West’s play The Drag, which openly portrayed gay life, was banned before it could reach Broadway.

By the 1930s, governments cracked down harder. In Nazi Germany, LGBTQIA+ people were targeted through book burnings and police raids. Many were sent to concentration camps, marked with pink triangles, and subjected to brutal treatment. Reports of these horrors spread in the 1940s as troops liberated the camps and courts convicted those involved, revealing the extent of Nazi persecution. Afterwards, returning to the U.S., LGBTQIA+ service members faced discrimination and were discharged from the military under "blue discharges," stripping them of veterans’ benefits.

At the height of the Cold War in the 1950s, the U.S. government labeled LGBTQIA+ people as security risks. Thousands lost their jobs in a wave of discrimination, while activists faced censorship. Yet, resistance grew. One: The Homosexual Magazine won a Supreme Court case protecting its right to distribute, marking one of the first legal victories for LGBTQIA+ rights.

By the 1960s and 1970s, the government took surveillance even further. Under FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, the agency monitored LGBTQIA+ organizations, tracking activists and gathering intelligence on groups like the Mattachine Society and the Daughters of Bilitis. Despite this, LGBTQIA+ activism gained momentum. The Mattachine Society fought legal battles for recognition, standing up to Congress and the courts. Though challenges remained, their efforts paved the way for future activism, proving that LGBTQIA+ people would not be silenced.


US Records

Related Pages

State and Territory Archives

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