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Elon University students enrolled in a Winter 2016 course, LGBTQ History in the U.S. investigated topics that had an impact on LGBTQ people in the second half of the 20th century. Students aimed to relate what happened, put the event in its historic context, analyze a primary source, and consider the event’s impacts and significance. They chose the following topics, each which can be explored on its own page using the links below or under the Topics tab above. In 1952, Christine Jorgensen became famous for having had sex reassignment surgery.

In 1979, 75,000 people participated in a National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.

In 1980, the Democratic Party platform signified the first major political party in the U.S. to endorse a gay rights plank.

That same year, Steve Endean founded the Human Rights Campaign Fund.

In 1997, Ellen Degeneres came out; she was the main character on the television situation comedy, "Ellen."

In the case Lawrence v. Texas (2003), the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated some state sodomy laws.

In 1993, the “Don’t Ask/Don’t Tell ” policy related to gays in the military was adopted.

On September 21, 1996, President Clinton signed the Defense of Marriage Act into law.