Stand up, fight back: The US LGBTQ+ liberation movement's history of resilience

As Donald Trump's second term as US President begins, bringing with it a rollback of LGBTQ+ rights, we are reminded of the struggle for queer liberation throughout history.

News . Written by Leah Brooks.

This article is about LGBTQ+ liberation in the US. The image shows an ACT UP New York protest, with large crowds of people walking through the streets of Manhattan.
Image: MACMILLAN via Wikimedia Commons

The aftermath of the 2024 US presidential election has left many feeling disheartened, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community and more specifically, trans people. But in times of hardship, it’s essential to remember the legacy of resilience that runs within the LGBTQ+ liberation movement. This community has faced unimaginable oppression but has continuously fought back with courage, strength and determination. In the wake of disappointment, we look through the US’ LGBTQ+ history for inspiration and hope.

The Early Struggles: Pre-Stonewall
The journey of LGBTQ+ activism in the US began long before the Stonewall riots of 1969. In the 1920s, despite the criminalisation of so-called ‘sodomy’ and cross-dressing, underground spaces like gay bars and drag balls allowed LGBTQ+ liberation groups to create communities.

By the 1950s, the LGBTQ+ community was again under attack during the Red Scare. The Lavender Scare, fuelled by McCarthyism, saw mass persecution of LGBTQ+ workers, particularly those in government jobs and the military.

However, there were several brave people who would stand up against this, one of which was Helen James, who was arrested and dismissed from the Air Force in 1955. After she forged a successful career in physical therapy and graduated from Stanford University, she decided to fight her discharge status. The case was ultimately ruled in her favour, and she became eligible for all veteran benefits. Helen subsequently was described as “the Rosa Parks of the gay rights movement: a private individual who one day stood up and said, ‘I’m not going to take this anymore’.”

 

The 1960s: Stonewall riots
Synonymous with the birth of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, the Stonewall riots were sparked by a police raid that took place in the early hours of June 28, 1969. Although it was not the first time that the community retaliated against government-sponsored persecution, it marked a new beginning for the fight for queer rights worldwide.

 

The 1980s: Fighting the AIDS Crisis
The 1980s presented new challenges as the AIDS epidemic decimated the LGBTQ+ community, particularly gay men. But even in the face of devastating loss, LGBTQ+ activists rose to the occasion, demanding action, funding, and care for those affected.

Organisations like ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) and the Gay Men’s Health Crisis became instrumental in raising awareness and advocating for medical treatment, research, and policy changes. The AIDS crisis exposed deep inequalities and discrimination within the healthcare system, and LGBTQ+ activists made sure their voices were heard, pushing for both medical and social progress.

 

The 1990s and Early 2000s: Legal Battles and Growing Acceptance
The 1990s and early 2000s saw significant advancements in LGBTQ+ rights, although the struggle was far from over. In 1993, the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy was enacted, allowing gay and lesbian individuals to serve in the military, albeit under restrictive terms. The push for marriage equality also gained momentum during this time, leading to landmark court cases and widespread debates about the definition of marriage.

Trans rights, however, remained a contentious issue. The struggles of transgender individuals were often marginalised in mainstream LGBTQ+ advocacy, still a growing movement of activists, including Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and later figures like Janet Mock and Laverne Cox, began to push for visibility and inclusion. They fought for the recognition of gender identity, healthcare access, and the protection of transgender people from violence and discrimination.

 

The 2010s: Advancements and Backlash
The 2010s were a period of great progress, as LGBTQ+ liberation in the US and beyond achieved legal recognition. The repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’, the legalisation of same-sex marriage, and the inclusion of LGBTQ+ protections in federal civil rights law were monumental steps forward.

However, what followed these victories was increased backlash, particularly in the form of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation at state level. Trans rights in particular became a focal point of opposition, with a wave of laws targeting transgender individuals, especially transgender youth, and restricting access to gender-affirming care.

As President Donald Trump returns to office, already signing a series of anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-trans executive orders, the fight for liberation continues. However, if our history tells us anything, it’s that our community is no stranger to fighting back for a better and more equal world for all.

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