It's impossible to pinpoint one single person as the "starter" of LGBTQ+. The LGBTQ+ rights movement is a complex, evolving social and political movement that has emerged over decades and centuries, encompassing a diverse range of individuals and organizations. There isn't one founder.
Instead of a single person, we can identify key figures and moments that contributed significantly to the movement:
Key Figures and Moments in LGBTQ+ History
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Early Advocacy: While there isn't a single "founder," early activists laid the groundwork. For example, Henry Gerber founded the Society for Human Rights in 1924, the first known gay rights organization in the United States. This Chicago-based group also produced "Friendship and Freedom," the first American publication for homosexuals.
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The Stonewall Riots (1969): These riots are often considered a pivotal moment in the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. They were a series of spontaneous demonstrations by members of the gay community in response to a police raid that took place in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in New York City. The riots are widely considered to constitute a turning point in the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States.
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Activist Groups: Organizations like the Mattachine Society and the Daughters of Bilitis, founded in the 1950s, played crucial roles in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in a time of significant social stigma.
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Harvey Milk: One of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States, Harvey Milk served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. His activism and political career were tragically cut short by assassination, but his legacy as a champion for LGBTQ+ rights continues to inspire.
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ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power): Formed in the late 1980s, ACT UP used direct action to advocate for people with AIDS and to push for research and treatment.
Why There's No Single Founder
The LGBTQ+ rights movement is multifaceted and involves diverse experiences, identities, and goals. It's not a monolithic entity started by one person; rather, it's a collective effort driven by countless individuals and groups advocating for equality and acceptance. The acronym itself, LGBTQ+, reflects the evolving understanding and inclusion of different sexual orientations and gender identities.
Therefore, it is more accurate to say that the LGBTQ+ movement has been shaped by numerous influential figures, events, and organizations over time, rather than being "started" by a single person.
