This timeline provides information about the gay rights movement in the United States from 1924 to the present: including the Stonewall riots; the contributions of Harvey Milk; the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy; the first civil unions; the legalization of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York; and more.

1924

The Society for Human Rights in Chicago becomes the country’s earliest known gay rights organization.

1948

Alfred Kinsey publishes Sexual Behavior in the Human Male, revealing to the public that homosexuality is far more widespread than was commonly believed.

1951

The Mattachine Society, the first national gay rights organization, is formed by Harry Hay, considered by many to be the founder of the gay rights movement.

1955

The first lesbian-rights organization in the United States, the Daughters of Bilitis, was established in San Francisco in 1955.

1956

The Daughters of Bilitis, a pioneering national lesbian organization, is founded.

1958

Joe …