The Bisexual Pride flag made its debut in 1998 The Bisexual Pride flag with its three stripes of pink, lavender, and blue, was unveiled for the first time on this day in 1998. The flag was designed by Michael Page from Florida, who is also one of the people behind the establishment of Celebrate Bisexuality Day. […]
The death of Rita Hester lead to Transgender Day of Remembrance This story contains information about violence against people who are transgender. Rita Hester was an African American transgender woman who was murdered in Allston, Massachusetts on November 28th 1998. Her violent murder has never been solved, but a memorial that took place a few […]
The American version of Queer as Folk began screening on this day in 2000 It’s 22 years since the US version of Queer as Folk made its debut. For five years the adventures of Michael, Brian, Justin Emmett, Ted, Lindsay and Melanie were essential viewing on Monday nights on SBS in Australia. Based on the British show […]
Aaron Copland captured the sound of America American composer Aaron Copland died on this day in 1990, just a few weeks after his 90th birthday. Born in New York in 1900, his family were immigrants who had come to America from Lithuania via Scotland, along the way changing their name from Kaplan to Copland. The […]
James Pratt and John Smith were the last men to be executed for sodomy in England On this day in 1835 James Pratt and John Smith were executed by hanging in front of Newgate Prison on London. They are the last two men who were executed in England for the crime of sodomy. The pair […]
Freddie Mercury passed away in 1991, just a day after announcing he was living with HIV Queen singer Freddie Mercury passed away on this day in 1991. The music superstar died almost three decades ago but has been a constant fixture in popular culture since his passing. Mercry achieved international fame in the 1970’s and […]
In 1992 Australia allows gay and lesbian people to serve openly in the military On this day back in 1992 the Keating government decreed that gay, lesbian and bisexual people could openly serve in the military. Prior to this personnel who were discovered to be same sex attracted were dismissed from their roles. The decision […]
Composer Benjamin Britten was born on this day in 1913 English composer Benjamin Britten was born on this day in 1913. A central figure in music in the 20th century he composed well known operas, orchestral and vocal music. He is best known for the opera Peter Grimes, War Requiem and The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra. Born […]
Quentin Crisp died on this day in 1999 Sting wrote a song about him, a film about his life made John Hurt a star, and he had a memorable turn opposite Tilda Swinton in Orlando. Today we remember the marvelously caustic Quentin Crisp. Born Denis Pratt in the town of Sutton, Surrey in 1908, he […]
Patrick Cowley was a pioneer of electronic dance music Patrick Cowley is remembered as a pioneer of electronic dance music whose influence extends to musicians making music today. Born in Buffalo, New York, he began his musical career as a drummer in various bands. When he was 21 he moved to San Francisco to attend […]
