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History

The 20+ best LGBTQ+ historic sites and artifacts to add to your bucket list

We recommend Michelangelo's David, the original Pride flag, Stonewall, Dorothy's ruby slippers, and more.

6 historic gayborhoods you should visit in 2026 that are still thriving

These LGBTQ+ neighborhoods have rich histories — and they're just as vibrant today as they have been in the past.

15 secret symbols queer people used throughout the ages

From pansies to pink triangles, these symbols have helped us identify and communicate with one when "out-and-proud" wasn't allowed.

Trans service members have always been part of U.S. history

Across centuries of wars, bans, and battles for recognition, trans military members have answered the call. Now they're fighting for their right to do so.

Lesbian Georgia legislator, first LGBTQ+ person elected in the South, is still showing up 25 years later

State Rep. Karla Drenner, who was once told she “wasn’t worthy of being known,” reflects on 25 years of being “the first” and why she’s still serving in an interview with The Advocate.

Donald Trump's East Wing demolition trashes First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt's queer legacy

Eleanor Roosevelt, who was likely queer, held the first press conference by a first lady in the East Wing, and the wing became a base for her activism.

Playing for both teams: 6 LGBTQ+ spies from history

From the world wars and Red Scare to the fight for Irish independence, here are some queer spies worth knowing.

Stonewall vet Miss Major Griffin-Gracy 'surrounded by love' as she enters hospice care

Miss Major has entered hospice care, but "is comfortable and surrounded by love," her partner says.

LGBTQ+ History Month founder says ‘history is our defense’ against Trumpism’s false saints like Charlie Kirk

“Everything they don’t like, don’t want, don’t understand, or don’t approve of is now targeted," Rodney Wilson told The Advocate.

Here's how LGBTQ+ History Month began

It went from a teacher’s vision to a global celebration.

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Rebel song: A history of gay men's choruses

Born out of activism decades ago, gay men's choruses have continued to be a force for change in the queer community.

Has Shakespeare's secret gay lover's identity just been uncovered by historians?

The tiny clue that pointed to a passionate love affair.

Keeping the record queer with LGBTQ+ archives

Maintaining our queer history records will help keep them safe and available to all.

NYC's West Village was the birthplace of Pride. Now it's a battleground for survival.

New York City’s West Village has long been a haven for queer people, but gentrification threatens to displace those elders who helped it thrive.

Women’s contributions and men’s racism erased from history of national monument

NPS removed historical information about women and race from signs at the Muir Woods National Monument.

19 photos from 1990s San Francisco show the roots of butch and femme culture

Chloe Sherman's RENEGADES San Francisco: the 1990s showcases the unique history of queer women.

Pete Hegseth gloats about the Navy erasing LGBTQ+ rights icon Harvey Milk's name from ship

Harvey Milk, the LGBTQ+ civil rights icon, was discharged from the Navy for his sexual orientation.

1985: the year the AIDS crisis finally broke through the silence

A lot has happened in the four decades since. We take a look back.

These 22 pics from 1970s NYC Pride marches show 'a moment without society’s prejudices'

An exhibition is showcasing the early marches of the LGBTQ+ liberation movement in 1970s New York City.

These vintage photos by Alice Austen depict queer life and breaking with gender of norms

Trailblazing photographer Alice Austen photographed women in sports and created self portraits with her female partner over their decades together.