LGBTQ history in Massachusetts

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Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons have been present throughout the history of the US state of Massachusetts. A 2018 report by Boston Indicators and The Fenway Institute found that Massachusetts had the second-largest LGBT population in the country by percentage, behind Vermont, at roughly 5% of the state population.[1]

LGBT individuals and communities became more visible in the state starting in the 1970s, coinciding with the gay liberation movement. The state capital, Boston, was home to multiple LGBT organizations and publications beginning at this time. The state's first known Pride march was held in Boston in 1971.[2] Same-sex sexual activity was illegal in the state until 1974.

In 2004, Massachusetts became the first US state to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples after the decision in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health, and the sixth jurisdiction worldwide, after the Netherlands, Belgium, Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec.

In politics, Massachusetts boasts a number of LGBT firsts, including the first openly LGBT politician elected to a state legislature (Elaine Noble, 1975),[3][4][5] first out congressperson (Gerry Studds, 1983),[6] first congressperson to voluntarily come out (Barney Frank, 1987),[7] first transgender person elected to a state legislature (Althea Garrison, 1992),[8][9] first openly lesbian African-American mayor in the country (E. Denise Simmons, 2008),[10] first openly LGBT state attorney general (Maura Healey, 2014),[11] and first openly lesbian governor (Maura Healey, 2022).[12]

  1. ^ Glatter, Hayley (2018-05-25). "Mass. Is the "Second Gayest" State in the Nation". Boston Magazine. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
  2. ^ Bouvier, Libby (2004). Stein, Marc (ed.). Encyclopedia of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered History in America. Vol. 1. Detroit: Charles Scribner's Sons.
  3. ^ Fitzsimons, Tim (2019-06-03). "#Pride50: America's first out lawmaker Elaine Noble". NBC News. Retrieved 2023-10-31.
  4. ^ Times, John Kifner Special to The New York (1974-11-14). "Sexuality Issue put to Rest, Elaine Noble is Ready for Office". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-10-31.
  5. ^ Shapiro, Laura (August 1978). "Elaine Noble: Win, Place, or Show?". Mother Jones. p. 14.
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference :9 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference :14 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ Phillips, Amber (2021-11-25). "Two transgender candidates — both named Misty — just made history by winning primaries". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2023-10-31.
  9. ^ Osberg, Molly (November 8, 2017). "The Tragic Story of Althea Garrison, the First Trans Person to Hold State Office in America". Splinter. Retrieved January 19, 2018.
  10. ^ Belonsky, Andrew (2008-01-16). "Black Lesbian Makes History in Massachusetts". Queerty. Retrieved 2023-10-11.
  11. ^ Johnson, Akilah (November 12, 2014). "Maura Healey setting her course as attorney general". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 2023-10-11.
  12. ^ LeBlanc, Steve (2022-11-09). "Massachusetts' Healey is 1st lesbian elected governor in US". AP News. Retrieved 2023-10-31.