The Evolution of LGBTQ+ Activism
The history of activism regarding LGBTQ+ rights is vast and extensive. Ranging from the 1969 Stonewall riots to the more recent Hollywood representation of the LGBTQ+ community, activists have always been fighting against oppression. Their efforts have shaped the community as we know it today.
LGBTQ+ activism first started in the summer of 1969 with the Stonewall riots: it was the first recorded moment in history in which LGBTQ+ people took a stand against blatant homophobia and oppression. A routine police raid on the Stonewall Inn in New York City sparked a brutal multi-day rebellion after customers of the bar, who were mostly members of the LGBTQ+ community, resisted the discriminatory conditions they had long endured. The historical events at Stonewall have been immortalized with yearly pride marches in June. Pride month itself was created centered around the Stonewall riot. The person credited for helping lead the events at Stonewall was Marsha P. Johnson, later nicknamed the “Rosa Parks of the LGBTQ+ movement.”
Marsha P. Johnson was an activist, drag performer, sex worker, and even a model for the famous artist Andy Warhol. She fiercely and consistently advocated for her rights as a Black and trans person, even though her actions could have jeopardized her safety and well-being. She once said, “As long as gay people don’t have their rights all across America, there’s no reason for celebration.”
Google honoring Martha P. Johnson on the last day of Pride Month.
Another advocate, Elaine Noble, was the first openly lesbian or gay candidate who was elected to the state legislature from January 1975 to January 1979. The election of openly gay and lesbian representatives such as Elaine resulted in the skyrocketing of political action through the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.
The gradual expansion of the global LGBTGQ+ rights movement suffered a major setback during the 1980s, as the gay male community was hit hard by the AIDS epidemic. Religious movements were spurred on by beliefs that AIDS was “God’s punishment.” However, demands for medical funding led to the formation of groups like AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) and Queer Nation. Mammoth marches on Washington drew as many as one million gay rights supporters in 1987 and then again in 1993.
Over the last few years, protests and petition signing have shifted from in-person events to online occurrences. This is especially relevant now, with COVID-19 efficiently shutting the majority of the population indoors. Indeed, social media has revolutionized social activism. In April 1997, millions of Americans watched as Ellen DeGeneres came out on national television, landmarking a new era of gay celebrity power and media visibility. This led to celebrity performers, both gay and heterosexual, being among the most vocal activists calling for tolerance and equal rights.
LGBTQ+ representation in the media is crucial; Laverne Cox, actress and advocate, is best known for playing Sophia Burset in the show “Orange Is the New Black.” She is the first trans person to be nominated for an Emmy. More accurate representation of the LGBTQ+ community will decrease problems such as homophobia or transphobia.
However, online activism doesn’t come without drawbacks. The growing usage of social media as a news outlet has led fake news to settle into the news section of many social media apps. So-called facts can be easily twisted or exaggerated in the eyes of the media and misleading information is also ridiculously easy to spread. It is important to make sure the information you consume is accurate, and not fallacious.
The LGBTQ+ movement has made major strides during the last few decades, and LGBTQ+ acceptance is now at an all-time high. However, we must raise our voices to eliminate all aggression towards the LGBTQ+ community and continue to remember those who have fought to create an impact.
SOURCES:
History of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Social Movements, Bonnie J. Morris, PhD/ APA
15 LGBTQ Activists of the Past and Present You Should Know, Daniele Selby/ Global Citizen
The Evolution of LGBTQ+ Pride, Scriberr News/ Scriberr
The Power of Social Media in Modern Activism/ Penn State
IMAGES:
Google Doodle of Marsha P. Johnson, beloved trans-rights activist, will close out Pride month [CNN Style]
