90s struggle for gays

The exact beginning of Federal anti-gay legislation is difficult to determine. Eisenhower to issue Executive Order inwhich prevented members of the gay community from working in government positions.

Looking Back: The AIDS Epidemic

Army Map Service. In Kameny turned to the U. Homophobia during the McCarthy Era also extended to family members of government employees. Joe McCarthy of Wisconsin, threatened to expose and prosecute his gay son. Hunt acquiesced to their alleged demands and ended his re-election campaign, providing them with an opportunity to flip his seat.

After enduring this intimidation, Hunt killed himself. When Congress passed the Immigration Act, it continued to limit entrance into the country based on sexual orientation. Further such legislation was not passed again until This legislation allowed gay and lesbian individuals to serve in the military for the first time; however, the measure was also discriminatory, prohibiting them from openly expressing their sexuality in public, in uniform or off duty.

Furthermore, the Hate Crimes Prevention Act also provided new protection for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender citizens. One issue that continues to illicit debate is the existing ban on blood donations by gay and bisexual men. The policy was first adopted during the AIDS crisis of the s and remains in place because the HIV infection rates for this community is higher than their heterosexual counterparts regardless of donor, all donated blood is screened for disease.

In the United States, Food and Drug Administration FDA guidelines previously banned men who engage in sexual activity with other 90s struggle for gays within a year of donating blood; in April, the rule was changed to three months amid a lack of blood availability during the Covid pandemic.

Critics argue that FDA guidelines reflect an antiquated understanding of HIV within the gay and bi community; and with constant blood shortages, procedures should change. The FDA continues to state that its guidelines are based on the best available data.

However, it recently launched a study to collect blood donor data from gay and bisexual males that could impact FDA policy in the future. Additionally, the first openly gay African-American and Afro-Latino male 90s struggle for gays of Congress, Mondaire Jones and Ritchie Torres, won elected office in the fall of Moreover, the reason that Pride Month was celebrated last month—and every June—is recognition of the Stonewall Uprising inwhich served as a key moment in the struggle for gay rights.

While Congress has introduced multiple bills seeking to officially recognize Pride Month, none have been successful. Written by guest contributor Maeve Silk, a student at Georgetown University studying history and English and minoring in art history. Edited by U.

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