The question of “who started the LGBTQ+ movement” has no single answer. Rather than being founded by one person, the modern movement was ignited by a collective uprising of marginalized individuals, most famously at the 1969 Stonewall Riots, and built upon decades of earlier activism. This fight for rights was pioneered by countless brave figures, including transgender women of color like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, alongside earlier “homophile” organizers such as Frank Kameny and Barbara Gittings. This article explores the key groups and individuals whose courage laid the foundation for the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ equality.
The Foundational Groups: Pre-Stonewall Organizing
Long before Stonewall, activists were building the groundwork for the movement. The 1950s saw the rise of the “homophile” movement—organizations that advocated for gay rights through education, support, and peaceful demonstration, often avoiding overt confrontation to challenge societal norms.
The Mattachine Society (1950)
Founded by Harry Hay and others, it was one of the first sustained gay rights groups in the U.S. They focused on proving that homosexuals were respectable, law-abiding citizens who deserved a place in society.
The Daughters of Bilitis (1955)
As the first lesbian civil and political rights organization in the U.S., founded by Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, it provided a crucial, safe space for women. They focused on public discussion of homosexuality and advocated for research into the lives of lesbians.
The Spark: The Stonewall Uprising and Its Key Figures
The Stonewall Inn raid on June 28, 1969, was a common event, but the response was extraordinary. The patrons, tired of relentless police harassment, fought back. This multi-night rebellion is widely cited as the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ movement 1960s-70s.
Marsha P. Johnson
A Black transgender woman and drag performer, Marsha was a central figure in the uprising. She co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (S.T.A.R.) to help homeless LGBTQ+ youth and was a beloved, fearless activist until her death in 1992.
Sylvia Rivera
A Latina transgender pioneer and close friend of Johnson, Rivera was also at Stonewall and co-founded S.T.A.R. She famously fought for the inclusion of transgender people and drag queens within the movement, often confronting exclusion within the broader community.
From Protest to Power: Post-Stonewall Organizations
The energy from Stonewall immediately fueled the creation of new, more radical groups that demanded liberation, not just assimilation.
The Gay Liberation Front (GLF)
Formed weeks after Stonewall, the GLF took its name in solidarity with Vietnamese liberation forces. They embraced a radical, revolutionary platform that connected gay rights with broader anti-war, feminist, and anti-racist struggles.
The Gay Activists Alliance (GAA)
Splitting from the GLF to focus exclusively on gay and lesbian issues, the GAA perfected the “zap”—a form of nonviolent, confrontational direct action designed to embarrass public figures and force political change.
How to Deepen Your Understanding of LGBTQ+ History
Engaging with original sources is the best way to honor this history. Here’s a step-by-step guide to conducting your own research:
- Identify Reputable Archives: Start with digital collections from the Library of Congress or the ONE Archives at the USC Libraries.
- Use Precise Search Terms: Search for “Mattachine Society newsletters,” “Stonewall oral histories,” or “Sylvia Rivera speeches.”
- Explore Academic Databases: Use resources like JSTOR or Google Scholar to find peer-reviewed articles on specific pioneers or organizations.
- Visit Local LGBTQ+ Centers: Many physical community centers have historical archives or can recommend local historians and resources.
- Analyze Primary Sources: Read original manifestos, like those from the GLF, to understand the ideological foundations of the movement.
| Era | Key Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1924 | The Society for Human Rights founded | Earliest documented gay rights organization in the U.S. |
| 1950 | The Mattachine Society forms | First sustained gay rights advocacy group |
| 1969 | The Stonewall Uprising | Catalyst for the modern radical liberation movement |
| 1973 | APA declassifies homosexuality | Major scientific/medical victory against pathologization |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Was Stonewall really the start of the LGBTQ+ movement?
A: No. Stonewall was a critical turning point, but it was built upon decades of previous activism by groups like the Mattachine Society and the Daughters of Bilitis. It is best understood as the spark that ignited the modern, more confrontational phase of the movement.
Q: Who are some often-overlooked pioneers?
A: Beyond Johnson and Rivera, pioneers like Brenda Howard (the “Mother of Pride”), who organized the first Pride march, and Ernestine Eckstein, a prominent Black lesbian leader in the Daughters of Bilitis, played vital yet less-recognized roles.
Q: Why is there debate over who started it?
A: The movement has many “starts” because activism existed in different forms. Some credit the structured homophile groups, while others credit the radical street activists at Stonewall. Historians now emphasize that it was a collective effort spanning decades.
Q: How did the early movement address race and gender?
A: Initially, the movement was often dominated by the concerns of white, gay men. Women and people of color frequently had to fight sexism and racism within the community, leading to the formation of their own splinter groups and movements, like lesbian feminism.
Continue Your Learning Journey Today
The history of the LGBTQ+ movement is rich, complex, and filled with lessons in courage and resilience. To honor its pioneers, commit to learning more. Explore the digital archives linked below, support your local LGBTQ+ community center, and share these important stories.
Contact & Resources:
- ONE Archives at the USC Libraries: https://one.usc.edu
- GLBT Historical Society: https://www.glbthistory.org
- National LGBTQ Task Force: https://www.thetaskforce.org
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