Gay Rights Movement
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In the 1970s and 80s, gay political organizations proliferated in the United States and spread to other parts of the globe. Groups such as the Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force began speaking out for legal and social reform.
In the United States, gay activists won support from the Democratic Party in 1980 when the party added to its platform a nondiscrimination clause; a plan including sexual orientation. The support of the Democrats, along with campaigns by gay activists, urged gay men and women to "come out" and also encouraged men and women to enter the political arena as candidates .
The first openly gay government officials in the United States were Jerry DeGrieck and Nancy Wechsler of Ann Arbor Michigan. DeGrieck and Wechsler both were elected in 1972 and came out while they were serving on the City Council. In 1977, American /gay rights activist Harvey Milk was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
In the United States, gay activists won support from the Democratic Party in 1980 when the party added to its platform a nondiscrimination clause; a plan including sexual orientation. The support of the Democrats, along with campaigns by gay activists, urged gay men and women to "come out" and also encouraged men and women to enter the political arena as candidates .
The first openly gay government officials in the United States were Jerry DeGrieck and Nancy Wechsler of Ann Arbor Michigan. DeGrieck and Wechsler both were elected in 1972 and came out while they were serving on the City Council. In 1977, American /gay rights activist Harvey Milk was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.