The
rainbow flag is recognized in the
US and Europe as a
symbol of GBLTQ pride. The six colors represent the community diversity of
race, faith and experience.
Eeeeeeek!
Homosexuality
remained on the American Psychiatric Association's list of
mental illnesses until 1973.
Keith's
comments blew me away. I had
not yet heard a commentary
on gay
marriage with
such passion, reason,
and heart. I will
be listening
again ... and
again ...
and anytime
my passion pales,
my mission
becomes
muddy,
or my heart begins to close. Pam Babbitt, Editor
-
Sex Coach
Milestones in Modern
Gay-Rights Movement
June 27-28, 1969: Gays riot
following police raid of New York City gay bar called Stonewall
Inn, sparking start of gay-rights movement in U.S.
1973: American Psychiatric Assoc. removes
"homosexuality" from list of mental disorders.
Nov. 27, 1978: San Francisco's gay city Supervisor Harvey
Milk and Mayor George Moscone assassinated at City Hall.
November 1993: U.S. military's "don't ask, don't tell"
policy for gays becomes law.
September 1996: President Clinton signs Defense of
Marriage Act, allowing states to ignore same-sex marriages
performed elsewhere.
April 2000: Vermont becomes first state to legally
recognize gay civil unions.
June 27, 2003: U.S. Supreme Court strikes down sodomy
laws.
November 2003: Same-sex marriage becomes legal in
Massachusetts.
May 2008: Same-sex marriage becomes legal in California,
with more than 18,000 couples marrying there by November 3.
October 2008: Same-sex marriage becomes legal in
Connecticut.
November 4, 2008: California voters approve Proposition 8
banning same-sex marriage, sparking large protests by gays and
others across U.S.
April 2009: Same-sex marriage becomes legal in Iowa and
Vermont.
May 2009: Same-sex marriage becomes legal in Maine.
June 2009: Same-sex marriage becomes legal in New
Hampshire.
Sources: Stateline.org, the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life
and Seattle Times archives
