QUEER 101

Welcome to our Queer/Gay 101 page! This resource is designed to provide essential information about the LGBTQ+ community, including a brief history, key terms and acronyms, notable figures, and valuable resources for people of all ages. Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community, a supportive ally, or simply seeking to learn more, this guide is here to help.

History of the LGBTQ+ Movement

The LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, and others) movement has a rich and complex history, marked by both struggle and triumph. It is a movement of resilience, resistance, and gradual progress toward equality and recognition. 

Pre-20th Century: Early Existence and Repression

Ancient Civilizations: LGBTQ+ identities have existed throughout history, though their recognition varied across cultures. In ancient Greece, relationships between men were socially accepted in certain contexts, especially in mentorship roles. Similarly, in various Indigenous cultures around the world, including Native American tribes, Two-Spirit people were revered for embodying both masculine and feminine qualities.

Medieval and Renaissance Europe: With the rise of Christianity in Europe, attitudes toward same-sex relationships and non-conforming gender identities became increasingly repressive. Homosexuality was often criminalized and punished severely. However, despite this repression, LGBTQ+ individuals continued to exist and find ways to express their identities.

19th Century: The 19th century saw the emergence of early LGBTQ+ advocacy, particularly in Europe. In 1869, Hungarian writer Karl-Maria Kertbeny coined the term “homosexuality” in a letter to describe same-sex attraction. The term was later used by German sexologist Magnus Hirschfeld, who became a key figure in early LGBTQ+ activism.

Early 20th Century: The Birth of LGBTQ+ Activism

Magnus Hirschfeld and the Scientific-Humanitarian Committee: In 1897, Magnus Hirschfeld, a German physician and sexologist, founded the Scientific-Humanitarian Committee in Berlin. This was one of the first organizations dedicated to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Hirschfeld also founded the Institute for Sexual Science in 1919, which provided education and support for LGBTQ+ individuals and conducted groundbreaking research on sexuality and gender.

1920s and 1930s: The Weimar Republic in Germany was a period of relative freedom for LGBTQ+ people, with Berlin becoming a hub for LGBTQ+ culture and nightlife. However, this progress was violently halted with the rise of the Nazi regime, which targeted LGBTQ+ people, particularly gay men, who were arrested and sent to concentration camps.

Early Advocacy in the United States: In the United States, early LGBTQ+ advocacy was often conducted in secret due to widespread legal and social repression. The Society for Human Rights, founded in Chicago in 1924 by Henry Gerber, was one of the earliest known LGBTQ+ organizations in the U.S. However, it was quickly shut down by authorities.

Mid-20th Century: The Struggle for Recognition

Post-War Repression: After World War II, many countries, including the U.S. and the UK, saw a renewed crackdown on LGBTQ+ people. The “Lavender Scare” in the United States paralleled the anti-communist Red Scare, leading to the firing of thousands of federal employees suspected of being gay or lesbian.

The Mattachine Society and the Daughters of Bilitis: In the 1950s, the Mattachine Society, founded by Harry Hay in Los Angeles, became one of the first sustained LGBTQ+ rights organizations in the U.S. It was followed by the Daughters of Bilitis, founded in 1955 by Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon as the first lesbian civil and political rights organization. These groups focused on building community, providing support, and challenging discriminatory laws.

The Homophile Movement: In the 1950s and 1960s, the homophile movement emerged, characterized by a focus on respectability and gradual integration into mainstream society. Activists organized peaceful protests, known as “Annual Reminders,” to demand equal rights for LGBTQ+ people.

1960s: The Rise of the Modern LGBTQ+ Movement

Stonewall Riots (1969): The Stonewall Riots, which took place in June 1969 in New York City, are widely regarded as the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. The riots began in response to a police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in Greenwich Village. For several nights, LGBTQ+ individuals, led by trans women of color like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, fought back against police harassment and brutality. The riots galvanized the LGBTQ+ community and led to the formation of new activist groups, including the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) and the Gay Activists Alliance (GAA).

First Pride Marches: In June 1970, on the first anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, the first Pride marches were held in New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago. These marches were a bold and visible statement of LGBTQ+ identity and a demand for equal rights. Pride events have since become a global tradition, celebrated annually in cities around the world.

1970s: The Fight for Legal Recognition

The Rise of LGBTQ+ Activism: The 1970s saw the growth of LGBTQ+ activism, with organizations advocating for civil rights, anti-discrimination laws, and public visibility. The decade also saw the emergence of LGBTQ+ media, such as the publication of “The Advocate,” which provided a platform for LGBTQ+ voices.

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) and Homosexuality: In 1973, after years of activism and advocacy by LGBTQ+ groups, the APA removed homosexuality from its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This was a significant victory, as it marked the declassification of homosexuality as a mental illness, helping to reduce stigma and discrimination.

Harvey Milk: Harvey Milk, an openly gay politician, was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977, becoming one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S. Milk was a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and his assassination in 1978 by a former colleague, Dan White, sparked outrage and further galvanized the LGBTQ+ community.

1980s: The AIDS Crisis and a New Wave of Activism

The AIDS Epidemic: The 1980s were marked by the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic, which disproportionately affected gay men. The epidemic exposed deep-seated homophobia and discrimination, as many governments were slow to respond to the crisis. However, it also led to increased activism, with organizations like ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) emerging to demand action and raise awareness about the disease.

Ryan White and the Fight Against Stigma: Ryan White, a teenager from Indiana who contracted HIV through a blood transfusion, became a national symbol for the fight against AIDS-related stigma. His story highlighted the discrimination faced by people with HIV/AIDS and helped to humanize the epidemic in the eyes of the public.

Legal and Political Struggles: The 1980s also saw significant legal and political battles over LGBTQ+ rights. In 1986, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld anti-sodomy laws in the case of Bowers v. Hardwick, a decision that was later overturned in 2003. Despite setbacks, the decade also saw progress, such as the introduction of anti-discrimination laws in some cities and states.

1990s: Visibility and Legal Progress

The Rise of LGBTQ+ Visibility in Media: The 1990s saw a significant increase in LGBTQ+ visibility in popular culture, with openly LGBTQ+ characters appearing in mainstream television shows like “Ellen” and “Will & Grace.” Ellen DeGeneres’ coming out, both in real life and on her sitcom “Ellen” in 1997, was a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ representation.

The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA): In 1996, the U.S. Congress passed the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which defined marriage as the union between one man and one woman for federal purposes. This law barred same-sex couples from receiving federal marriage benefits. However, DOMA also sparked a national conversation about marriage equality, leading to increased activism for same-sex marriage rights.

The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act: In 1998, the brutal murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay college student, brought national attention to the issue of anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes. His death, along with the racially motivated murder of James Byrd Jr., led to the passage of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act in 2009, which expanded federal hate crime laws to include crimes motivated by sexual orientation and gender identity.

21st Century: Milestones and Continuing Struggles

Marriage Equality: One of the most significant milestones in LGBTQ+ history came in 2015, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right. This landmark decision followed years of activism and legal battles, and it marked a major victory for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. Similar progress was made in other countries, with same-sex marriage being legalized in nations such as Canada, the UK, and Australia.

Transgender Rights Movement: The 21st century has also seen growing awareness and advocacy for transgender rights. The visibility of transgender individuals, such as Laverne Cox and Caitlyn Jenner, in mainstream media has helped to raise awareness about transgender issues. In 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Bostock v. Clayton County that discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation is prohibited under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Global LGBTQ+ Rights: While progress has been made in many parts of the world, LGBTQ+ rights remain under threat in numerous countries. In some places, homosexuality is still criminalized, and LGBTQ+ individuals face violence, discrimination,

Understanding and supporting the LGBTQ+ community is an ongoing journey. Whether you’re just starting or have been an ally for years, there’s always more to learn. We hope this guide serves as a helpful starting point and encourages further exploration and advocacy.

Acronyms and Terminology

Understanding the language used within the LGBTQ+ community is essential for respectful and informed discussions.

LGBTQIA+: An inclusive acronym that stands for:

• Lesbian: A woman who is emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to other women.

• Gay: A person who is emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to people of the same gender. Often used specifically for men, but can be used by anyone attracted to the same gender.

• Bisexual: A person who is emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to more than one gender.

• Transgender: A person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.

• Queer: A reclaimed slur used by some as a broad, inclusive term for people who do not identify as straight or cisgender. It can also mean questioning one’s sexual or gender identity.

• Intersex: A person born with physical sex characteristics (such as genitals, gonads, or chromosomes) that do not fit typical definitions of male or female.

• Asexual: A person who does not experience sexual attraction. The “A” can also stand for “Aromantic” (not experiencing romantic attraction) or “Agender” (not identifying with any gender).

• +: Represents other identities not explicitly covered by the LGBTQIA acronym, including but not limited to pansexual, demisexual, genderqueer, and non-binary.

Gender and Sexuality Terms

• Bigender: A person who identifies with two distinct gender identities, either simultaneously or switching between them.

• Cisgender: A person whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, someone assigned female at birth who identifies as a woman.

• Demisexual: A person who only experiences sexual attraction after forming a strong emotional connection with someone.

• Genderqueer: A broad term that encompasses a range of gender identities that are not exclusively male or female. Similar to non-binary.

• Genderfluid: A gender identity that may change over time or depending on the situation. A genderfluid person may feel more male one day and more female the next.

• Non-Binary: A gender identity that doesn’t fit within the traditional categories of male or female. Non-binary people may identify as a mix of both genders, neither, or something entirely different.

• Pansexual: A person who is attracted to others regardless of their gender identity. Pansexuality is often seen as a more inclusive form of bisexuality.

• Two-Spirit: A term used by some Indigenous cultures in North America to describe a person who embodies both masculine and feminine qualities or fulfills a unique gender role within their community.

Identity and Expression

• Gender Identity: A person’s internal understanding of their own gender, whether that be male, female, non-binary, or something else.

• Gender Expression: How a person presents their gender to the world through clothing, behavior, voice, and other forms of expression. It may or may not align with societal expectations of their gender.

• Intersex: A person born with physical sex characteristics that do not fit typical definitions of male or female. Intersex people may have variations in chromosomes, hormones, or anatomy.

• Queer: Once a derogatory term, “queer” has been reclaimed by many in the LGBTQIA+ community as a positive, inclusive term for anyone who is not heterosexual or cisgender. It can also refer to non-normative ways of thinking about gender and sexuality.

• Sexual Orientation: Refers to who a person is attracted to emotionally, romantically, or sexually. Examples include heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, and asexual.

• Transgender: An umbrella term for people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. This includes non-binary people, as well as trans men and women.

• Transsexual: An older term that some transgender people use to describe their experience, often involving medical transition (such as hormone therapy or surgery). This term is less commonly used today and can be considered outdated or offensive.

Social and Cultural Terms

• Ally: A person who supports and advocates for the rights and dignity of LGBTQIA+ individuals, often someone who is not LGBTQIA+ themselves.

• Biphobia: Fear, hatred, or prejudice against bisexual people, including the belief that bisexuality is not a legitimate sexual orientation.

• Coming Out: The process of revealing one’s sexual orientation or gender identity to others. This can be a one-time event or an ongoing process throughout a person’s life.

• Closeted: Refers to someone who has not disclosed their sexual orientation or gender identity, either partially or fully, to others.

• Heteronormativity: The assumption that heterosexuality is the default or normal sexual orientation, which often leads to the marginalization of LGBTQIA+ identities.

• Homophobia: Fear, hatred, or prejudice against people who are or are perceived to be lesbian, gay, or bisexual.

• Intersectionality: A concept that describes how different forms of oppression (such as racism, sexism, and homophobia) intersect and affect individuals in multiple ways. For example, a black transgender woman may face both racism and transphobia.

• Passing: When a person is perceived as a member of the gender they identify with, often used in the context of transgender people being seen as their true gender. It can also refer to bisexual people being perceived as straight.

• Transphobia: Fear, hatred, or prejudice against people who are or are perceived to be transgender or gender non-conforming.

Additional LGBTQIA+ Terms

• Binding: The practice of using a binder or other garment to flatten the chest, often used by transgender men or non-binary people.

• Deadname: The birth name of a transgender person who has changed their name as part of their transition. Using a person’s deadname is considered disrespectful and harmful.

• Misgendering: Referring to someone by a gender they do not identify with, either intentionally or unintentionally. This can include using the wrong pronouns or gendered language.

• Pronouns: Words used to refer to someone in place of their name (e.g., he/him, she/her, they/them). Using the correct pronouns is a sign of respect for a person’s gender identity.

• Transition: The process a transgender person goes through to live as their true gender. This can include social transition (changing name, pronouns, clothing), medical transition (hormone therapy, surgeries), and legal transition (changing gender markers on documents).

• Tucking: The practice of hiding external genitalia to achieve a flatter appearance, often used by transgender women or non-binary people.

These terms and acronyms represent just a snapshot of the evolving language used within the LGBTQIA+ community. Understanding and using these terms correctly can foster a more inclusive environment for everyone.

Notable Figures in LGBTQ+ History

The LGBTQ+ movement has been shaped by numerous individuals who have courageously fought for equality, visibility, and justice.

Audre Lorde (1934-1992)

Role: Poet, Writer, Activist

Contribution: Audre Lorde was a Black lesbian feminist, poet, and essayist whose work focused on the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and class. Her writings, including “Sister Outsider” and “Zami: A New Spelling of My Name,” have become seminal texts in both feminist and LGBTQ+ studies. Lorde’s work as an activist extended beyond her writing; she co-founded the Kitchen Table: Women of Color Press, the first U.S. publisher for women of color. Lorde’s legacy is one of advocating for social justice through both intellectual and grassroots activism.

Barbara Gittings (1932-2007)

Role: Activist, LGBTQ+ Rights Pioneer

Contribution: Barbara Gittings was a prominent activist in the early LGBTQ+ rights movement, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s. She was the editor of the Daughters of Bilitis’ publication The Ladder and was a key figure in the campaign to remove homosexuality from the American Psychiatric Association’s list of mental disorders. Gittings also worked tirelessly to promote LGBTQ+ visibility in libraries and fought against censorship, believing that access to information was a critical part of the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights.

Bayard Rustin (1912-1987)

Role: Civil Rights Leader, LGBTQ+ Activist

Contribution: Bayard Rustin was a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement and a close advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Rustin was instrumental in organizing the 1963 March on Washington, where Dr. King delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Despite his significant contributions, Rustin was often marginalized within the Civil Rights Movement due to his sexuality. In his later years, Rustin became more vocal about his identity as a gay man and advocated for LGBTQ+ rights, arguing that civil rights must include the rights of all marginalized people.

Christine Jorgensen (1926-1989)

Role: Actress, Transgender Pioneer

Contribution: Christine Jorgensen was one of the first people to become widely known in the United States for undergoing sex reassignment surgery. Her transition in the early 1950s made international headlines, and she became a public figure, advocating for transgender rights and educating the public about gender identity. Jorgensen used her platform to challenge societal norms and raise awareness about transgender issues, becoming a pioneering figure in the fight for transgender visibility.

Edie Windsor (1929-2017)

Role: LGBTQ+ Rights Activist

Contribution: Edie Windsor was the lead plaintiff in the landmark Supreme Court case United States v. Windsor (2013), which struck down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and was a critical step toward marriage equality in the United States. After the death of her wife, Thea Spyer, Windsor challenged the U.S. government’s refusal to recognize their marriage, leading to a historic victory for LGBTQ+ rights. Windsor’s case paved the way for the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.

Ellen DeGeneres (1958-)

Role: Comedian, Actress, Television Host

Contribution: Ellen DeGeneres made history in 1997 when she came out as gay on her television sitcom “Ellen,” in what became a watershed moment for LGBTQ+ visibility in the media. Her public coming out was met with both praise and backlash, but it marked a turning point in the acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in mainstream entertainment. DeGeneres went on to become a successful talk show host, using her platform to promote kindness, acceptance, and LGBTQ+ issues.

Frank Kameny (1925-2011)

Role: Activist, Astronomer

Contribution: Frank Kameny was a pioneering LGBTQ+ rights activist who is often referred to as one of the “fathers” of the LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States. Fired from his job as an astronomer with the U.S. government in 1957 because he was gay, Kameny fought back by filing one of the first civil rights claims based on sexual orientation. He co-founded the Mattachine Society of Washington, D.C., and was a leader in the fight to decriminalize homosexuality and remove the stigma associated with being gay. His efforts laid the groundwork for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.

Harvey Milk (1930-1978)

Role: Politician, Activist

Contribution: Harvey Milk was one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States, serving as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Elected in 1977, Milk was an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and fought against discrimination. His political success was a landmark victory for the LGBTQ+ community and helped to inspire a generation of activists. Milk was tragically assassinated in 1978, but his life and work continue to serve as an enduring symbol of the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights.

James Baldwin (1924-1987)

Role: Writer, Civil Rights Activist

Contribution: James Baldwin was a renowned African American writer and social critic whose works explored complex issues of race, sexuality, and identity. In novels like “Giovanni’s Room,” Baldwin addressed themes of homosexuality and bisexuality, making him one of the first Black authors to openly discuss these topics. Baldwin’s essays, such as “The Fire Next Time,” also critiqued the American social and political landscape, and his activism was integral to both the Civil Rights Movement and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

Larry Kramer (1935-2020)

Role: Playwright, Activist

Contribution: Larry Kramer was a passionate activist and playwright whose work was central to the fight against the AIDS epidemic. He co-founded the Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) in 1982, the world’s first organization dedicated to addressing the HIV/AIDS crisis. Frustrated with the lack of government response to the epidemic, Kramer later co-founded ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power), which used direct action to demand more attention and resources for those affected by AIDS. His play “The Normal Heart” remains one of the most powerful depictions of the early years of the AIDS crisis.

Laverne Cox (1972-)

Role: Actress, Producer, Transgender Rights Advocate

Contribution: Laverne Cox is an Emmy-nominated actress best known for her role in the Netflix series “Orange Is the New Black.” She is the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category and has become a leading advocate for transgender rights. Cox has used her visibility to educate the public on transgender issues and to advocate for the rights and dignity of transgender individuals, particularly transgender women of color.

Marsha P. Johnson (1945-1992)

Role: Activist, Drag Queen

Contribution: Marsha P. Johnson was a prominent figure in the Stonewall Riots of 1969 and a founding member of the Gay Liberation Front and Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR), which provided support to homeless LGBTQ+ youth and sex workers in New York City. Johnson was a trailblazer for transgender rights and a tireless advocate for the most marginalized within the LGBTQ+ community, especially transgender women of color. Her activism has left a lasting legacy, and she is remembered as a symbol of resilience and courage in the face of adversity.

RuPaul Charles (1960-)

Role: Drag Queen, Actor, Musician, Television Host

Contribution: RuPaul is one of the most famous drag queens in the world and a trailblazer in bringing drag culture into the mainstream. His television show, “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” has become a global phenomenon, celebrating drag as an art form and providing a platform for LGBTQ+ performers. RuPaul has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has used his fame to promote acceptance and understanding of diverse identities.

Sylvia Rivera (1951-2002)

Role: Activist, Co-founder of STAR

Contribution: Sylvia Rivera was a Latina transgender activist who, alongside Marsha P. Johnson, co-founded STAR (Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries). Rivera was a vocal advocate for transgender rights and was deeply involved in the Gay Liberation Movement following the Stonewall Riots. She fought against the exclusion of transgender people from the broader LGBTQ+ rights movement, arguing that the fight for gay rights should include the rights of all gender-nonconforming people. Her legacy is celebrated for her dedication to justice and inclusion

These figures represent just a few of the many individuals who have shaped LGBTQ+ history. Their contributions have paved the way for greater acceptance, equality, and visibility for LGBTQ+ people around the world.

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