Improve Your Knowledge
Learn more about the LGBTQ+ community and diverse history.
There are many terms in the LGBTQ+ community that you may not be familiar with. We've collated some of the more common ones to help you understand the community better.
The history of the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) community is rich with significant events and milestones that have shaped its current landscape. Here is a brief overview:
Homosexuality was documented in ancient civilizations, including Greece, Rome, Egypt, and China. In many of these societies, same-sex relationships were accepted or even celebrated.
Attitudes towards homosexuality became more negative with the rise of Christianity in Europe. Sodomy laws were enacted, and homosexual behavior was often punished severely.
The term "homosexuality" was coined by Karl-Maria Kertbeny, an Austrian-Hungarian journalist, marking the beginning of modern discussions on sexual orientation.
The Scientific-Humanitarian Committee was founded in Germany by Magnus Hirschfeld, advocating for homosexual rights and the decriminalization of homosexuality.
The Mattachine Society, one of the first LGBTQ+ organizations in the United States, was founded by Harry Hay.
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) classified homosexuality as a mental disorder in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
The Stonewall Riots in New York City marked a turning point in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Following a police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar, members of the LGBTQ+ community fought back, leading to several days of protests.
The first Gay Pride marches were held in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago to commemorate the Stonewall Riots.
The APA removed homosexuality from the DSM, declassifying it as a mental disorder.
The AIDS epidemic began, disproportionately affecting the gay community. This crisis spurred activism and awareness.
ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) was founded to advocate for people with AIDS and demand action from the government.
"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was implemented in the U.S. military, allowing gay and bisexual people to serve as long as they did not disclose their sexual orientation.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Lawrence v. Texas that sodomy laws were unconstitutional, effectively decriminalizing homosexual acts in the United States.
"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was repealed, allowing LGBTQ+ individuals to serve openly in the U.S. military.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right, legalizing it nationwide.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Bostock v. Clayton County that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
There has been a growing recognition of non-binary and transgender rights, with increased visibility and advocacy for these communities. Legislative battles continue over issues such as transgender rights, conversion therapy bans, and discrimination protections.
The LGBTQ+ movement has evolved from early struggles for decriminalization to broader fights for equal rights and societal acceptance. Each milestone has built upon the last, pushing the movement towards greater visibility and equality.
It would be almost impossible to cover every aspect of the LGBTQ+ community in one place, as it covers a gigantic spectrum of identities and orientations that we have only just scratched the surface on. Although it would be equally as daunting to provide an exhaustive list of resources for LGBTQ+ people, below are links that might help get you started.
The Trevor Project is a non-profit suicide prevention organization that provides 24/7 crisis support services, research, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ young people around the world. They also have a variety of resources to learn more about LGBTQ+ identities for both LGBTQ+ people and Allies.
The LGBTQ Community CenterThe Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center (The Center) was established in 1983 at the height of the AIDS crisis to provide a safe and affirming place for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers to respond to the urgent threats facing the community. Over the past 40 years, The Center has grown to meet the changing needs of New York’s LGBTQ+ community, delivering services that empower people to lead healthy, successful lives.
A list of organizations providing support for LGBTQ+ in the UK, sorted by region to help find resources in your area.
Mind UK LGBTQ+ Mental Health ContactsMental Health services aimed at LGBTQ+ people in the UK, and resources to help find mental health support that best fits your needs.
Jed Foundation - Finding Your PeopleArticle from the Jed Foundation, talking about how to find your community as an LGBTQ+ person.
Pride Events is the largest LGBTQIA+ events platform in the United Kingdom
IGLTA Global Gay Pride CalendarIGLTA, the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association was founded in 1983 and is the world's leading network of LGBTQ+-welcoming tourism businesses. We provide free travel resources and information while continuously working to promote equality and safety within LGBTQ+ tourism worldwide.
Outright International - Pride around the WorldOutright is dedicated to working with partners around the globe to strengthen the capacity of the LGBTIQ human rights movement, document and amplify human rights violations against LGBTIQ people, and advocate for inclusion and equality.
We’ve spent more than 40 years creating the most powerful movement for equality our country has ever seen. But despite this progress, our most marginalized are still suffering from violence, discrimination and fear. Our goal is to ensure that all LGBTQ+ people, and particularly those of us who are trans, people of color and HIV+, are treated as full and equal citizens within our movement, across our country and around the world.
Stonewall UKAt Stonewall, we stand for lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning and ace (LGBTQ+) people everywhere. We imagine a world where all LGBTQ+ people are free to be ourselves and can live our lives to the full.
Amnesty InternationalWe are Amnesty International UK. We work to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied.