Public Events in LGBTQ U.S. History: A Timeline

From the American Revolution to the Present

This entry intends to provide a documented chronology of public references to LGBTQ life in the U.S., from the American Revolution to the present.

In this entry, "public" refers to events which exposed LGBTQ life to general view, as opposed to events in which reference to LGBTQ life remained essentially "private," known only to one, two, or several people. In some cases, whether an event was public or private will be a matter of debate. But in many cases, the distinction will be clear.

This list will include arrest reports, government reports, newspaper reports, publication of books and articles, reviews, trial records, etc., referring to LGBTQ life.

As this list grows it will probably have to be divided into interlinked sections.

OPEN ENTRY: This entry is open to collaborative creation by anyone with evidence, citations, and analysis to share, so no particular, named creator is responsible for the accuracy and cogency of its content. Please use this entry's Comment section at the bottom of the page to suggest improvements about which you are unsure. Thanks.

Alphabetical List

Leopold and Loeb Trial, Chicago, 1924.

Virginia committee authors law punishing sodomy by castration: 1779, June 18

Chronological List

1779, June 18: "Sodomy...shall be punished...by castration" declares a Virginia bill authored by Thomas Jefferson.

1924: Leopold and Loeb Murder Trial, Chicago.