Before we can explore the playground, it first must be built. So before we can dive into the LGBTQ movement, LGBTQ equality, and intersectionality we need to provide some foundational knowledge and background information. The first thing that must be learned is queer theory. While Queer theory has many different interpretations we will be using the definition used by Brett Beemyn and Mickey Eliason in their writing. They state that the meaning of queer theory is determined by a person’s knowledge and position in society. Therefore, it could mean a theoretical perspective from which to challenge the normative, another term for lesbian and gay studies, a theory about queerness and queers, etc. We will be using this model of definition because a person’s identities determine how they view the world and define things and with this series being about identities it is important that we have definitions that seek to encompass everyone’s point of view. Another note to take into account is that Beemyn and Eliason talk about the dangers of using the word queer due to the fact that it has become an umbrella that we shove everyone who is not straight under. That is why using LGBTQ is more inclusive because it includes queer for people who identify as queer, but also includes those who identify as LGBTQ, but not queer.

Next, we must look at milestones in the LGBTQ rights movement that got us to where we are now. It is widely accepted that the modern LGBTQ rights movement started on June 28, 1969, with the Stonewall Riots in New York City. This was followed by the first Pride parades a year later on the same day. The next signification moment was in December 1973, when homosexuality was removed from the APA list of mental disorders. In 1974, the first two openly LGBTQ candidates were elected to public office, four years before Harvey Milk. October 1979 saw the first National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. During his term, President Clinton signed into law two aggressively anti-LGBTQ rights bills, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and the Defense of Marriage Act. All the while during this span from 1969-1996 the height of the AIDS crisis sweeps through the LGBTQ community. The 2000s saw better results with the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell by President Obama and the overturning of the Defense of Marriage Act by the Supreme Court. This is followed by the Supreme Court ruling that it is unconstitutional to ban same-sex marriage, making it legal in all of America. In this time, the military also lifted the ban on transgender individuals serving openly in the military. (CNN)

These milestones are big and amazing, but as we will delve into in subsequent blog post, they are matters that affect a majority of white, educated, wealthy gay men and ignore other members of the community.

 

Work Cited:

“LGBT Rights Milestones Fast Facts.” CNN, Cable News Network, 1 Apr. 2018, www.cnn.com/2015/06/19/us/lgbt-rights-milestones-fast-facts/index.html.

“What Is That Queer Queer? Exploring Norms around Sexuality, Race, and Class in Queer Theory .” Queer Studies: a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Anthology, by Brett Beemyn and Mickey Eliason, New York University Press, 1996.