By Violet Nichols (she/they), 18 years old, editor
November 3, 2024
This year, during LGBTQ+ History Month, I found myself diving deeper into the history of some of the pioneers who shaped the LGBTQ+ rights movement. For example, I was intrigued to learn about the Society for Human Rights, the first officially recognized gay rights organization in the US. It was formed 100 years ago, but I had never heard of it before!
Getting to know the Society made me realize how brave the early activists were who stood up for their rights when being gay was considered a criminal offense in the U.S. Their fight for equality laid the foundation for the progress that many of us have made. we benefit today.
A support space
The Human Rights Society was founded in Chicago in 1924 by Henry Gerber. While stationed in Germany during World War I, he was inspired by the efforts of another gay activist, Magnus Hirschfeld, as well as the activism and gay community he saw there.
Gerber envisioned creating a supportive space in the United States for gay men to come together. At a time when they faced serious legal and social discrimination, it was rare for such groups to form publicly.
Friendship, freedom and facing challenges
In seeking legal recognition of the Society, Gerber cited the right to the pursuit of happiness as set forth in the Declaration of Independence, as well as the importance of fighting prejudice. Among other things, the Society published Friendship and freedomthe first known gay interest newsletter.
Unfortunately, the Society faced significant challenges. Months after their formation, the wife of one of the members reported that they were engaging in “obscene” behavior, which led to Gerber’s arrest. Although the charges were eventually dropped, the legal fees left him bankrupt.
This struggle illustrates the harsh reality of LGBTQ+ people at the time and the social backlash against those advocating for change.
The lasting impact of society
Even though the Society’s existence was so brief, it helped lay the groundwork for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, including advances like the decriminalization of homosexuality and the creation of advocacy groups like the Human rights campaign. It was one of the first examples of visibility and representation that allowed LGBTQ+ people to be less stigmatized in the U.S. In 2015, the Society was declared a National Historic Landmark.
By recognizing the contributions of early organizations like this, we can better appreciate the history of the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. We can understand more about the progress made in the United States, but also why it is important to continue fighting stigma and discrimination. In 1962, Illinois was the first state to decriminalize homosexuality, but it was not fully decriminalized in the United States until 2003. This is fairly recent. Furthermore, there are still parts of the world where homosexuality and transgenderism are illegal and even punishable by death.
Our voices matter
Learning about the past can not only help build empathy, but also encourage young people to advocate for themselves and others by creating more inclusive spaces, locally and globally.
As I continue to learn more about LGBTQ+ history, I have recognized that our voices matter in this ongoing journey. We are part of a broader initiative, which aims to reverse intolerance and hate and inspire inclusion and equity.
