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Ancient History
Homosexuality is nothing new. From ancient Greece to the Roman Empire to ancient Indian cultures, history abounds with depictions and descriptions of same-sex relationships. Ancient artwork provides markers of LGBT persons within society. Different cultures provide varying stances towards the LGBT community. Some have been tolerant and accepting, others have condemned. Various world religions also take on a spectrum of interpretations and ideas about homosexuality.
American History
In the grand scheme of things, America is a very new country. Yet, the history of LGBT perceptions, attitudes, and inclusion/exclusion has seen dramatic shifts and changes over time. Stemming in large part from its Judeo-Christian foundation, the United States has historically occupied an oppressive, criminalizing, or unwelcoming stance towards homosexuality. Over the centuries and especially in recent decades, progressive shifts towards inclusion of the LGBT community have occurred. What has caused the change? LGBT inclusion has been a longstanding social movement, that has occurred over a long period of time and through the efforts of many. Social change is never natural, but rather the result of negotiations between oppressive and progressive actors. Power relations, who gains space relative to the other, determines social outcomes.
LGBT Organizations
The first LGBT rights organizations in the United States date back to 1924 - The Society for Human Rights (Baim). Opposition and financial costs made this group a short-lived establishment. The first lasting organization of this kind was The Mattachine Society formed in 1950 in Los Angeles (Katz). 1952 marked the first pro-gay publication, known as ONE Magazine (ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives). These early groups paved the way for contemporary organizations, such as PFLAG, which was started in 1973 and exists prominently today (PFLAG).
StoneWall Riots
1969 is an historic year in the LGBT Rights Movement. On the night of June 26, 1969, along with a few nights afterwards, police raided the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, New York, in an attempt to disperse the gay crowd that the bar attracted and sheltered. Patrons resisted leading to riots. A collective feeling grew amongst the LGBT community and progressive feelings and action were paramount. The Stonewall Riots can be linked to a nation-wide call to action, beginning with a march down New York's Sixth Avenue, the predecessor to Gay Pride parades.
Modern Day Movements
Shifts in societal attitudes have flowed out of activism and exploration. Removing homosexuality from the American Psychiatric Association's list of mental disorders in 1973 marks an official change in the perception of homosexuality, an idea that has taken some time to sink in (American Psychological Association). Homosexuality is furthermore understood today as a pre-determined trait rather than a choice by the individual. With new insight and ideas, groups and societal action continue to evolve through social efforts. "Pride" has become a movement of acceptance and inclusion of the LGBT community. Official laws as well as popular culture attitudes are being discussed and contested more prominently than ever, as can be seen with the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) supreme court hearing, which began March 2013, as well as talk of LGBT persons in professional sports.
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