LGBTQ+ History of the Society for Human Rights
November 3 2024
This year, as part of LGBTQ+ History Month I was able to dig deeper into the past of some of those pioneers that helped shape the LGBTQ+ movement. It was formed 100 years ago, but I’d never heard of it before! It was formed 100 years ago but I’d never heard of it before!
Finding out about the Society made me realize how brave early activists were, standing 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 many of us benefit from today.
A Supportive Space
The Society for Human Rights was founded in Chicago in 1924 by Henry Gerber. He was inspired to create a space for gay men in the U.S. by Magnus Hirschfeld’s activism, and the gay community that he witnessed in Germany while he served in World War I. At a time when they faced severe legal and social discrimination, it was rare for such groups to form publicly.
Friendship, Freedom and Facing Challenges
In applying for legal recognition of the Society, Gerber cited the right to the pursuit of happiness as stated in the Declaration of Independence, as well as the importance of fighting prejudice. Among other things, the Society published
Friendship and Freedom
, the first known gay-interest newsletter.Unfortunately, the Society faced significant challenges. The wife of one member filed a complaint that the group was engaging in “obscene behavior” months after the Society’s formation. This led to Gerber being arrested. Although the charges were eventually dropped, the legal fees left him bankrupt.This struggle illustrates the harsh reality for LGBTQ+ people at the time and the societal backlash against those advocating for change.
The Society’s Lasting Impact
Despite the Society’s existence being so brief, it helped lay the groundwork for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, including advancements like the decriminalization of homosexuality and the creation of advocacy groups like the Human Rights Campaign. The Society was one of the first examples of visibility and inclusion that allowed LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. to be less stigmatized. The Society was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2015.
By recognizing the contributions of early groups like this one we can better understand the history of the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. By recognizing the contributions of early organizations like this one, we can better appreciate the history of the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights. Illinois decriminalized homosexuality in 1962. However, it was not fully decriminalized until 2003. It’s a relatively recent development. Plus, 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 be advocates for themselves and others by creating more inclusive spaces–locally and globally.
