The gay liberation movement occurred from the late 1960s to the 1980s. It focused on taking away shame from being gay or lesbian, and rather replacing those feelings with pride about their identity. The most basic form of activism was urging the LGBT+ community to come out top their parents, family, and friends. This would help to spread that regular and mentally stable people were gay. Of course, as with every change in society and attempt at moving forward, there was some strong resistance.
The main opposition to this movement was the religious and traditional Americans. Especially those who were conservative and christian, they felt that homosexuality was a sin (and still do). Before and throughout the movement, the general feeling was that either being gay was a sinful choice, or that it was a dreadful disease that had to be cured.
Harvey Milk was an important and respected political figure who stood up for the gay population. He was the first openly gay political figure in the United States, and gave the movement some representation. Gay liberation is often associated with the counter culture of the 60s, which was about liberating your true self and going against social expectations. It is not the same, as homosexuality is mainly genetic, but it did show the revealing of one's true self.
The steps that America took forward during this time in history were amazing. Although there were a bunch of positive movements, there were also massive push backs by those that didn't want change. Harvey Milk was assassinated the same year that he took office and was unable to do much for city.
ReplyDeleteI agree that America had took a big step during the 1960s through 1980s because of all of these movements that people like Harvey Milk fought for. Although many have died like Milk, their courage made a statement for the movements.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement that the 1960s was a very progressive time for America, and I believe that we are still making a lot of forward movement in gay rights. About 3 years ago, gay marriage was legalized in the United States, and more public institutions are accepting of LGBT people. It has also shown in legislation that it is illegal for education institutions or workplaces to discriminate against someone for their sexuality.
ReplyDeleteThe gay pride movement only became highly visible after the Stonewall riots, which occurred when NYC police raided the a gay bar called the Stonewall Inn. On June 27, 1969, customers at the Stonewall fought back against violent police, causing riots to occur for the next couple of hours. These Stonewall riots brought attention and jumpstarted the gay liberation movement.
ReplyDeleteAgreeing with Adrienne's facts, I think the 1960s were a progressive time with many "first steps" taken by people to advance different movements. According to History.com, specifically, the Stonewall movement though didn't start the gay rights movement, it was a force for the LGBTQ political activism, leading to many gay rights organizations including, Gay Liberation Front, Human Rights Campaign, GLAAD and PFLAG.
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