LGBTQ HISTORY

The Origins of 10 LGBTQ+ Pride Flags

Many Pride flags have been created since Gilbert Baker made the first one in 1978. Here’s a rundown of the origins, evolution, and significance of just some of the LGBTQ+ Pride flags out there.

12 Fascinating Facts About Keith Haring

Keith Haring was best known for his graffiti-inspired artwork and contributions to the New York City art scene in the 1980s. Though he died in 1990 at just 31 years old, his artwork and legacy live on.

The Stonewall Inn is now a national monument.

8 Facts About the Stonewall Riots

The Stonewall Riots were a watershed moment for the LGBTQ+ community in the U.S., but here are some important facts you might not know about the uprising.

Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, and Frank Morgan promoting 'The Wizard of Oz'

How ‘Friend of Dorothy’ Became Code in the Gay Community

In the 1980s, the U.S. Navy carried out a futile search for the “real” Dorothy.

These captivating titles span all kinds of genres.

10 Influential Banned Books Written by LGBTQ+ Authors

From gripping essay collections to graphic memoirs and more, these banned books by LGBTQ+ authors are still worth diving into.

William Haines, Hollywood's First Out Gay Superstar

In the 1930s, Haines was forced to choose between Hollywood success and the love of his life.

Authors like Dorothy Allison, David Wojnarowicz, and T Kira Madden have made tremendous contributions to literature.

26 Amazing Books by LGBTQ+ Authors You Should Add to Your Bookshelf

Celebrate the many contributions to literature that LGBTQ+ authors have made with these great reads by Danez Smith, Dorothy Allison, Alexander Chee, Alice Walker, and more.

Every color in the Pride Flag stands for something—and here's what it all means.

What Do All the Colors in the Pride Flag Stand For?

The Pride Flag first appeared in 1978, but it's evolved a lot since its initial conception. Here's what all the colors really stand for.

James Baldwin, Senator Tammy Baldwin, and George Takei.

15 Inspiring Quotes from LGBTQ+ Leaders

These memorable quotes from LGBTQ+ leaders—on everything from intersectionality to being an ally—will ring true all year round.

Most Pride celebrations in the U.S. occur in June.

10 Facts About the History of LGBTQ Pride Month

Since 1970, the LGBTQ community has marked June as Pride Month, in part to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, a watershed moment in LGBTQ history when patrons of the Stonewall Inn fought back against a police raid.

Laverne Cox in 'Orange Is the New Black.'

17 Epic Moments in LGBTQ+ TV History

These TV shows reflected changing social mores and broke new ground in American entertainment, a trend that continues today.

Paris is Burning | ‘Come On, Vogue’ (HD) - Willi Ninja | MIRAMAX

7 Facts About Willi Ninja, the Grandfather of Vogue

Famed choreographer Willi Ninja's pioneering dance moves and gender-fluid style had a lasting influence on music and fashion, which still persists to this day.

Gilbert Baker created the rainbow flag in 1978.

How the Rainbow Flag Became Associated With LGBTQ+ Rights

How the rainbow became specifically associated with LGBTQ+ rights goes back to San Francisco in the late 1970s, and to one artist in particular.

Did Alan Turing Inspire the Apple Logo?

Apple's iconic logo is rumored to have been inspired by Eve's bite into the apple of knowledge, Newton's discovery of gravity, and Alan Turing's untimely end. Are any of these stories true?

The cover of James Baldwin’s novel ‘Giovanni’s Room.’

10 Facts About James Baldwin’s ‘Giovanni’s Room’

James Baldwin's novel 'Giovanni’s Room' was rejected by editors and publishers before it was eventually released in 1956.

Marsha P. Johnson bust at the Stonewall National Monument at Christopher Park in New York City.

8 Facts About Transgender Activist Marsha P. Johnson

Marsha P. Johnson was a relentless advocate for gay rights, best known for her involvement in the Stonewall Uprising and tireless efforts to protect those in her community.

From left: Bayard Rustin, Edith Windsor, Laverne Cox, and Martina Navratilova.

11 LGBTQ Pioneers You Should Know

The fight for LGBTQ rights has been decades in the making. Meet a few of the trailblazers who won the battles.

Add more to your TBR pile this Pride Month with these celebrated fiction and nonfiction works.

15 Incredible Books by Stonewall Book Award Winners

The Stonewall Book Award celebrates LGBTQ+ literature and includes standouts from authors like Alison Bechdel, Rivers Solomon, and Michael Cunningham.

How Did the Real YMCA React to the Disco Song About It?

Everyone liked “Y.M.C.A.”—except the actual organization.

7 Facts About Lorraine Hansberry

By the age of 34, Lorraine Hansberry was already the author of two plays that had appeared on Broadway. She should have been on course for a long and successful career—but tragically, that wouldn't happen. Still, her legacy has endured.

Larry Kramer in Manhattan's Washington Square in 2007.

10 Fascinating Facts About Larry Kramer

While co-founding two of the most influential HIV/AIDS organizations in the U.S., he still had time to pen a landmark play and be nominated for an Academy Award.

Remembering Christine Jorgensen, America’s First Trans Celebrity

When news of Christine Jorgensen’s gender-affirming surgery made headlines, she decided to use the exposure to help people.

Tennis star Billie Jean King has had a lasting influence on sports and beyond.

11 Facts About Billie Jean King

Billie Jean King is one of tennis’ most celebrated athletes. But she also championed gender equality efforts and fought for equal pay in sports.

A mural showing Harvey Milk inside the San Francisco politician's former camera shop.

7 LGBTQ Landmarks Besides the Stonewall Inn

Stonewall is the most famous, but it’s just one of many American sites that hold significance for LGBTQ history.