LGBTQ+ Figures in History
She's widely credited with throwing the first brick at Stonewall, this trans woman and drag queen late became an LGBTQ+ activist
Who is Marsha P Johnson
Often considered the beginning of the queer civil rights movement, the riot at this bar happened because of frequent police raids
What is Stonewall?
This FX television show produced by Ryan Murphy highlighted ballroom culture and was the first scripted television show with a primarily trans cast.
What is Pose
Now used to signify a woman who is considered hip with gay men or a gay icon, this parental term originated in Molly Houses, queer safe spaces in the 18th and 19th centuries
What is "Mother!"
This artist wrote "Born this Way," which quickly became a queer anthem.
Who is Lady Gaga
An ancient Greek poet who lived on the island of Lesbos in 600-500 BC, her name is where we get the word "sapphic" from.
Who is Sappho
This landmark supreme court decision legalized gay marriage across the US
What is Obergefell Vs. Hodges
This sitcom, the first broadcast television show with gay male protagonists, is widely credited with moving the needle on gay acceptance.
What is Will and Grace?
This numerical plural "across the board" or given indicates that someone is dressed well or has done something successful
What is "tens"?
One of the most famous drag queens in the world, this performer has hosted a widely-popular reality television show that has won 30 Emmy awards
Who is RuPaul
This queer artist was the lead singer of the band Queen
Who is Freddie Mercury
The first one of these, occurring in 1970, sought to provide a contrast to the shame that society inflicted on LGBTQ+ people
What is a pride march
This "test" for whether women are represented in media well was created by a queer cartoonist and author of Fun Home.
What is the Bechdel Test?
This murderous word that originated in ballroom culture is now a frequent complement used by queer people and their allies
What is "slay"
This artist, who held the record for the longest running number one single, came out soon after his original indie country-rap song was released.
Who is Lil Nas X
Predating Abraham Lincoln, who is often rumored to have had relationships with men, this confirmed bachelor was the only US President who never married and is often considered "the first gay President"
Who is James Buchanan?
This movement, whose slogan was "Silence=Death," sought to force the federal government to acknowledge the AIDS epidemic and begin to search for a cure
Showrunner of such television programs as Doctor Who (2006-2010, 2023-2025), Queer as Folk, and It's a Sin, this writer is considered one of the most influential queer screen writers
Who is Russel T Davies?
The opposite of butch, this word is used by lesbians, ballroom performers, and trans women to indicate someone who aligns with a feminine identity
What is "femme"
Star of the movie The Wizard of Oz, this actress was one of the first widely-accepted gay icons, she was so iconic that the phrase "friend of Dorothy" became a subtle term for a queer person
Who is Judy Garland?
This openly bisexual African American jazz singer famously performed the song "Strange Fruit," a chilling protest against the Jim Crow South.
A prominent figure in both queer civil rights and African American civil rights movements, this author advocated for the recognition of queer Black people in both movements
Who is James Baldwin?
Written by transmasc lesbian author Leslie Feinberg, this book is considered on of the most important lesbian texts in US history.
What is Stone Butch Blues
This movement that is done by tapping the first and third finger together repeatedly (not the first and second) originated as a type of silent applause in ballroom performances
What is a finger clap
Known for a decades-long music career and her advocacy during the AIDS crisis, this bisexual "Vogue" singer is one of the most enduring gay icons
Who is Madonna?