Gayther
LGBTQIA+ Pioneers
Exceptional individuals that contributed to the LGBTQIA+ global movement
2019
The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and all those with non-traditional gender or sexual identities have been targeted and persecuted for thousands of years because of who they love or how they identify.
Over the centuries, many brave and exceptional individuals, often at significant personal risk, went against the odds and refused to let inequalities and prejudices stop them from changing the rules, laws and opinions relating to the LGBTQIA+ community across the globe.
We must all remember and celebrate those exceptional individuals. Those people that are now and in the past who have fought hard for equal treatment for the LGBTQIA+ community
Over the centuries, many brave and exceptional individuals, often at significant personal risk, went against the odds and refused to let inequalities and prejudices stop them from changing the rules, laws and opinions relating to the LGBTQIA+ community across the globe.
We must all remember and celebrate those exceptional individuals. Those people that are now and in the past who have fought hard for equal treatment for the LGBTQIA+ community
CONTENTS
KARL HEINRICH ULRICHS
BARBARA GITTINGS
HARVEY BERNARD MILK
DR MAGNUS HIRSCHFELD
AUDRE LORDE
ABOUT LGBTQIA+ PIONEERS
MORE
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PIONEERS COLLECTION
Each year, we create LGBTQIA+ dollars and feature key individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community. Though some of the individuals featured may not have publicly identified as LGBTQIA+, they are exceptional people who have advanced the community or world in some way.
Alternatively, why not discover other amazing advocates and pioneers in previous year collections
REACH OUT FOR HELP
If you or someone you know suffers from depression, please reach out. Many trained and amazing groups and organisations can help you with whatever you face. To help you find what you need quickly, we have created the Gayther Support Directory. The directory is designed to help you quickly find organisations, groups, and helplines near you. Click here to access the directory or to learn more.
LGBTQIA+ Pioneers
2019
Lawyer, Author and Journalist
Westerfeld, Hanover, Germany
b. 1825 - d. 1895
Westerfeld, Hanover, Germany
b. 1825 - d. 1895
Karl, a once forgotten pioneer, was an exceptional individual in the conservative 1800s. Karl was not only an openly gay man but also fought to reform the laws to improve conditions for the repressed LGBTQIA+ individuals living within Germany at that time. To provide context, in 1860, Abraham Lincoln was nominated the president of the United States of America, and 1861 saw the beginning of the American civil war.
With world affairs as they were, Karl became a pioneer after being dismissed from his legal role for the district court in Hildesheim for being gay. In 1862, Karl came out to his friends and family, which was not commonplace for that period and highlighted anti-homosexual laws through campaigning and writing many books and articles.
Karl, through circumstances, the future could have been very different; instead of hiding away, he decided to speak up and highlight the injustices that were going on. He was an exceptional individual and is now finally credited as an early pioneer of the modern gay rights movement.
Thank you, Mr Ulrichs, may you never be forgotten
With world affairs as they were, Karl became a pioneer after being dismissed from his legal role for the district court in Hildesheim for being gay. In 1862, Karl came out to his friends and family, which was not commonplace for that period and highlighted anti-homosexual laws through campaigning and writing many books and articles.
Karl, through circumstances, the future could have been very different; instead of hiding away, he decided to speak up and highlight the injustices that were going on. He was an exceptional individual and is now finally credited as an early pioneer of the modern gay rights movement.
Thank you, Mr Ulrichs, may you never be forgotten
Exceptional and diverse
Discover more about the diverse and extraordinary global LGBTQIA+ community. Find interesting facts, enjoy engaging interactive games, learn about pioneering advocates, and take pride in all sexualities, gender identities, and special groups. Explore everything LGBTQIA+ with Gayther today.
LGBTQIA+ Pioneers
2019
Activist and Journalist
Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA
b. 1932 - d. 2007
Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA
b. 1932 - d. 2007
The daughter of a United States (U.S) diplomate, Barbara was born in Vienna, Austria and was a notable activist and literary figure within the U.S LGBTQIA+ community. At Northwestern University, Barbara was studying drama at the time when she had an encounter with a fellow female student, which caused Barbara to explore her sexuality. Barbara, who at the time was confused, met with a psychiatrist, who helped Barbara understand that she was a lesbian. The psychiatrist, who at the time believed homosexuality was a mental illness, went on to offer to help cure her of her infliction. However, her father thankfully refused to pay for further sessions.
Barbara began researching what it meant to be a homosexual. At that time, all of the publications depicted same-sex activities as perverted. Her research took a lot of her time, resulting in her falling behind in her studies. Ultimately, it was attributed to her dropping out of college.
Barbara’s curiosity and intellect helped her become a publicly known lesbian activist. Barbara worked to improve LGBTQIA+ rights and worked tirelessly to improve the literary representation of the community. To ensure that information relating to same-sex individuals became more readily available in libraries.
Barbara received many awards throughout her life, including a lifetime membership in the American Library Association and the annual Barbara Gittings Award, awarded each year for the best gay or lesbian novel. Barbara was an exceptional individual that dedicated her life to improving LGBTQIA+ information in literacy.
Thank you, Ms Gittings, may you never be forgotten
Barbara began researching what it meant to be a homosexual. At that time, all of the publications depicted same-sex activities as perverted. Her research took a lot of her time, resulting in her falling behind in her studies. Ultimately, it was attributed to her dropping out of college.
Barbara’s curiosity and intellect helped her become a publicly known lesbian activist. Barbara worked to improve LGBTQIA+ rights and worked tirelessly to improve the literary representation of the community. To ensure that information relating to same-sex individuals became more readily available in libraries.
Barbara received many awards throughout her life, including a lifetime membership in the American Library Association and the annual Barbara Gittings Award, awarded each year for the best gay or lesbian novel. Barbara was an exceptional individual that dedicated her life to improving LGBTQIA+ information in literacy.
Thank you, Ms Gittings, may you never be forgotten
Understanding the world around us with
Discover the Gayther Indices, community-related trackers that are among the most comprehensive LGBTQIA+ resources worldwide, covering a wide range of themes from global equality to healthcare systems, to help inform and engage everyone. Whether you are looking for the perfect travel destination or aiming to better understand and support equal rights for community members across the globe, the Gayther Indices are your essential international resource.
LGBTQIA+ Pioneers
2019
American Politician
San Francisco, California, USA
b. 1930 - d. 1978
San Francisco, California, USA
b. 1930 - d. 1978
Harvey was an American politician, former United States Navy veteran and the first openly gay official in the state of California. Harvey was originally from New York City and moved to the Castro district of San Francisco in 1972. Harvey unsuccessfully ran for office three times and was finally elected to the seat of city supervisor in 1977.
Eleven months into his term, Harvey sponsored a bill banning discrimination based on an individual’s sexual orientation in accommodation, housing and employment. The bill had amassed tremendous support from city officials. It was finally passed with eleven votes in favour of and one against the bill.
Sadly, on the 27 November 1978, Dan White, a former colleague from the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, visited the mayor. Dan had previously resigned from his role due to a dispute over his salary. He regretted his decision and approached the mayor, asking to be reinstated. Many of the other supervisors on the board felt that someone else should be appointed, reflecting the local community’s ever-changing and diverse inhabitants. Disgruntled, an armed Dan White entered the city offices, killed the mayor, and went on to kill Harvey. Harvey was just 48 years old at the time of his death.
Even though his death was not long ago, many LGBTQIA+ individuals consider Harvey an icon and a martyr. Harvey helped introduce anti-discrimination laws in San Francisco in the 1970s. Harvey will remain a leading pioneer of the LGBTQIA+ movement in the USA.
Thank you, Mr Milk, may you never be forgotten
Eleven months into his term, Harvey sponsored a bill banning discrimination based on an individual’s sexual orientation in accommodation, housing and employment. The bill had amassed tremendous support from city officials. It was finally passed with eleven votes in favour of and one against the bill.
Sadly, on the 27 November 1978, Dan White, a former colleague from the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, visited the mayor. Dan had previously resigned from his role due to a dispute over his salary. He regretted his decision and approached the mayor, asking to be reinstated. Many of the other supervisors on the board felt that someone else should be appointed, reflecting the local community’s ever-changing and diverse inhabitants. Disgruntled, an armed Dan White entered the city offices, killed the mayor, and went on to kill Harvey. Harvey was just 48 years old at the time of his death.
Even though his death was not long ago, many LGBTQIA+ individuals consider Harvey an icon and a martyr. Harvey helped introduce anti-discrimination laws in San Francisco in the 1970s. Harvey will remain a leading pioneer of the LGBTQIA+ movement in the USA.
Thank you, Mr Milk, may you never be forgotten
Explore the world
Travelling is one of the most popular hobbies and interests around the world. Exploring new places, cultures, and experiences is both exciting and rewarding. For most people, knowing the best time to visit and basic travel details is enough; however, for the LGBTQIA+ community, further research is necessary. The Gayther Travel guides cover hundreds of countries and regions, providing essential travel information, useful terms in local languages, and important health advice, including details on how each country treats members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Discover Gayther guides today.
LGBTQIA+ Pioneers
2019
Physician and Sexologist
Kolberg, Pomerania, Former German Confederation
b. 1868 - d. 1935
Kolberg, Pomerania, Former German Confederation
b. 1868 - d. 1935
Magnus was born in the Prussian town of Kolberg, Germany (now part of Poland), to a Jewish family and the son of a highly regarded physician. Magnus went on to study philosophy and philology in many German universities, and in 1892 he earned his medical degree.
A gay man himself, it was not until he lived in Chicago that he began to draw similarities between the homosexual communities. Similarities between Chicago to that of Berlin, where he had previously lived. This discovery started his theory of the universality of homosexuality across the world.
Through his research, Magnus found that most homosexual men he had met had scars of failed suicide attempts and spent a lot of his time trying to help and give them reasons to live. In the late 1800s, the Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde was being trialled in the United Kingdom for gross indecency with men. The trial received a lot of media attention, and Magnus was greatly affected by the trial.
Magnus studied sexuality and became an advocate on behalf of sexual minorities. Magnus believed that sexual orientation was innate, meaning something you were born with and not a deliberate choice. In understanding that Magnus wanted to advocate tolerance and acceptance of sexual minorities.
Magnus supported the concept that homosexuals constituted a third sex. He is best known for his theories relating to sexual intermediaries naturally occurring, such as hermaphroditism, homosexuality, and transvestism.
In 1919, Magnus opened the first sexology institute globally, the Institute for Sexual Science in Berlin. Sadly the institute and many publications within the library were destroyed during the second world war. With the growing populism of the Nazi movement and being a Jewish gay man, Magnus left Germany. Magnus went to France and sadly died of a heart attack in 1935.
Magnus introduced the world to the concept that many of us today know to be true. We do not make a choice or a decision to be straight, gay or transgender; we are all born that way. If it was not for Magnus, we might not live in an ever-changing and hopefully more tolerant world.
Thank you, Dr Hirschfeld, may you never be forgotten
A gay man himself, it was not until he lived in Chicago that he began to draw similarities between the homosexual communities. Similarities between Chicago to that of Berlin, where he had previously lived. This discovery started his theory of the universality of homosexuality across the world.
Through his research, Magnus found that most homosexual men he had met had scars of failed suicide attempts and spent a lot of his time trying to help and give them reasons to live. In the late 1800s, the Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde was being trialled in the United Kingdom for gross indecency with men. The trial received a lot of media attention, and Magnus was greatly affected by the trial.
Magnus studied sexuality and became an advocate on behalf of sexual minorities. Magnus believed that sexual orientation was innate, meaning something you were born with and not a deliberate choice. In understanding that Magnus wanted to advocate tolerance and acceptance of sexual minorities.
Magnus supported the concept that homosexuals constituted a third sex. He is best known for his theories relating to sexual intermediaries naturally occurring, such as hermaphroditism, homosexuality, and transvestism.
In 1919, Magnus opened the first sexology institute globally, the Institute for Sexual Science in Berlin. Sadly the institute and many publications within the library were destroyed during the second world war. With the growing populism of the Nazi movement and being a Jewish gay man, Magnus left Germany. Magnus went to France and sadly died of a heart attack in 1935.
Magnus introduced the world to the concept that many of us today know to be true. We do not make a choice or a decision to be straight, gay or transgender; we are all born that way. If it was not for Magnus, we might not live in an ever-changing and hopefully more tolerant world.
Thank you, Dr Hirschfeld, may you never be forgotten
Positive representation helps in
Acceptance and coming to terms with a part of what makes you can be challenging for many people. The Gayther pride in series is about celebrating all things relating to sexualities, gender identities and special groups. Showcasing the exceptional people, interesting facts and ways to connect with those unique communities, all designed to help and promote pride in LGBTQIA+ identities.
LGBTQIA+ Pioneers
2019
American writer, feminist, womanist, librarian, and civil rights activist
Harlem, New York, USA
b. 1934 - d. 1992
Harlem, New York, USA
b. 1934 - d. 1992
Audre was born in New York City to Caribbean immigrants. When Audre was young, she struggled to communicate. Audre found refuge in poetry, often memorising and quoting poetry to express her feelings.
In 1954, while studying, Audre spent a year in Mexico. While in Mexico, she awoke both her true identity and where Audre began to hone her skills as a poet. Throughout the 1960s, Audre worked as a librarian in several public schools in New York. Audre was married to Edward Rollins, who she later divorced in 1970.
After her divorce, Audre began to live her true self as a lesbian. As a black lesbian, Audre was no stranger to racism and prejudices. Her poetry helped her connect with readers and gave her an outlet to express her technical mastery and emotional expression relating to her feelings of anger and outrage at civil and social injustices.
Audre went on to publish many books and poetry relating to black feminism. In the late 1980s, Audre and a fellow writer founded the Kitchen Table: Women of Color Press, dedicated to promoting and furthering the publications of black feminist writers. During the apartheid years in South Africa, Audre became concerned about how black women were being treated and decided to create the Sisterhood in Support of Sisters in South Africa (SISA). The SISA became an organisation she continued to play an active role in until Audre died in 1992. Sadly, apartheid ended two years after her death, so she never got to see her black sisters in the newly democratic South Africa.
An intelligent and gifted woman, Audre’s works are not only powerful but also inspiring. A feminist, a lesbian, and a person of colour, Audre is the voice, the form of expression for many women, lesbians and black women worldwide even today.
Thank you, Ms Lorde, may you never be forgotten
In 1954, while studying, Audre spent a year in Mexico. While in Mexico, she awoke both her true identity and where Audre began to hone her skills as a poet. Throughout the 1960s, Audre worked as a librarian in several public schools in New York. Audre was married to Edward Rollins, who she later divorced in 1970.
After her divorce, Audre began to live her true self as a lesbian. As a black lesbian, Audre was no stranger to racism and prejudices. Her poetry helped her connect with readers and gave her an outlet to express her technical mastery and emotional expression relating to her feelings of anger and outrage at civil and social injustices.
Audre went on to publish many books and poetry relating to black feminism. In the late 1980s, Audre and a fellow writer founded the Kitchen Table: Women of Color Press, dedicated to promoting and furthering the publications of black feminist writers. During the apartheid years in South Africa, Audre became concerned about how black women were being treated and decided to create the Sisterhood in Support of Sisters in South Africa (SISA). The SISA became an organisation she continued to play an active role in until Audre died in 1992. Sadly, apartheid ended two years after her death, so she never got to see her black sisters in the newly democratic South Africa.
An intelligent and gifted woman, Audre’s works are not only powerful but also inspiring. A feminist, a lesbian, and a person of colour, Audre is the voice, the form of expression for many women, lesbians and black women worldwide even today.
Thank you, Ms Lorde, may you never be forgotten
Extraordinary people
Over the past 50 years, the LGBTQIA+ global community has seen many positive developments, with rights and protections for its members greatly enhanced. These changes are a direct result of the extraordinary individuals who have stood up, often at considerable personal risk, to advocate for and defend community rights. Discover more about some of these remarkable individuals today.
discover more about all of the
exceptional individuals
The LGBTQIA+, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender communities have been around for thousands of years and referenced in many texts, scriptures and paintings from as early as 2400 BC. The diverse community includes many famous and notable people, from emperors, kings, poets, and politicians. Many of which have played key and important roles throughout history.
Over the centuries, the treatment of the community and its members’ rights has changed, from individuals being tolerated and often on the fringe of society to becoming active targets and facing brutal persecution. It was not until the end of the 18th Century that things improved. Large-scale global change began only in the 20th Century, typically from the 1970s to the present day.
The New York Stonewall Riots in 1969 became a catalyst for the global gay liberation movement. However, many brave individuals have stood up and championed the community throughout history, often at significant personal risk. It is often hard to imagine what life must have been like, even as recently as 40 years ago, left alone for 200 years. With conservative and religious beliefs dominating society, many individuals were required to suppress and hide their true selves for fear of persecution.
It took a group of brave and fearless individuals to stand up and be heard. To show the world that the rules, laws and opinions had to change. The change resulted in the freedoms and rights many of us now enjoy. Increase acceptance and protection within the law, directly given to the work and effort of these exceptional individuals. Though there have been significant developments relating to the equality status for many members of the LGBTQIA+ community, they are not so fortunate. Many people still live in countries and under regimes; even today, they are actively targeted and in constant fear for their lives. In those countries right now, activists are fighting to change the rights and laws. As individuals and all the risks, and for their bravery and desire to see change, we are truly grateful for all they are doing for the global community. We know many of those activists will become pioneers in the future.
Gayther feels it is crucial to highlight and focus on these exceptional pioneers as a community and on their contributions to fairer, more tolerant societies worldwide. To showcase all they have accomplished and ensure they are never forgotten, we would like to introduce you to Gayther’s annual pioneer collection.
Other collections: ADVOCATES | PIONEER COLLECTIONS: 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019
Over the centuries, the treatment of the community and its members’ rights has changed, from individuals being tolerated and often on the fringe of society to becoming active targets and facing brutal persecution. It was not until the end of the 18th Century that things improved. Large-scale global change began only in the 20th Century, typically from the 1970s to the present day.
The New York Stonewall Riots in 1969 became a catalyst for the global gay liberation movement. However, many brave individuals have stood up and championed the community throughout history, often at significant personal risk. It is often hard to imagine what life must have been like, even as recently as 40 years ago, left alone for 200 years. With conservative and religious beliefs dominating society, many individuals were required to suppress and hide their true selves for fear of persecution.
It took a group of brave and fearless individuals to stand up and be heard. To show the world that the rules, laws and opinions had to change. The change resulted in the freedoms and rights many of us now enjoy. Increase acceptance and protection within the law, directly given to the work and effort of these exceptional individuals. Though there have been significant developments relating to the equality status for many members of the LGBTQIA+ community, they are not so fortunate. Many people still live in countries and under regimes; even today, they are actively targeted and in constant fear for their lives. In those countries right now, activists are fighting to change the rights and laws. As individuals and all the risks, and for their bravery and desire to see change, we are truly grateful for all they are doing for the global community. We know many of those activists will become pioneers in the future.
Gayther feels it is crucial to highlight and focus on these exceptional pioneers as a community and on their contributions to fairer, more tolerant societies worldwide. To showcase all they have accomplished and ensure they are never forgotten, we would like to introduce you to Gayther’s annual pioneer collection.
Other collections: ADVOCATES | PIONEER COLLECTIONS: 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019
Is there someone you believe should be
The Gayther annual Pioneer collection is designed to highlight and showcase exceptional individuals from or associated with the LGBTQIA+ community. If you know of someone you believe should be featured, we would love to hear from you. As a global service, we love to feature lesser-known international advocates and pioneers whenever possible
Connect with the community
Gayther Affinity is a private platform for the global LGBTQIA+ community. A space that gives you the freedom to be yourself. Helping you communicate with and connect to people similar to yourself. People from around the world from all age groups and backgrounds. Signup for your free Affinity account today
Helping you get the support you need
When disaster hits, it is crucial to get the right information quickly. From the correct emergency telephone number wherever you are in the world to how we communicate with a medical professional during an emergency, Gayther offers a range of useful tools, such as the emergency telephone number tool and the medical diagnosis tool. Discover the Emergency Services tools today.
When travelling, as a non-native speaker of a language or when you cannot speak, communicating how you think and feel to a medical practitioner can be challenging. The medical diagnosis interpreter, also known as the MDI, is a free click-and-point solution where you can use literal translations for up to 89 different languages
Knowing the local emergency telephone numbers is crucial, whether at home or abroad. The Gayther guide not only provides the various telephone numbers for the emergency services worldwide but also common phrases in the native language
When escaping persecution or conflict, travelling through a country as a non-native speaker of a language or when you cannot speak is difficult. Quickly communicating your needs and any required assistance is challenging and often time-critical. The refugee communication tool is an essential tool designed to help anyone in a problematic situation share their circumstances with those in a position to help
Gayther
your community resources
A community platform that features a variety of tools, services, guides, and much more. Free tools and services tailored toward the global LGBTQIA+ community
The big directory comprises fourteen groups and over one thousand categories, from travel accommodation to home maintenance
There are thousands of events taking place, it is not always easy to know what is going on and when, Gayther can help
The Care Providers and Services directory lists businesses and services that are inclusive and welcoming to all
There are millions of non-profit organisations, advice services, and support groups worldwide, all designed to help you
The RM Directory is designed to showcase organisations and services experienced in assisting those seeking refuge or relocating. Whether a refugee who is forced to leave home due to war or a migrant seeking out better living conditions, the RM Directory can help
Resources designed to help you engage
With more than a thousand data points on weather stations around the world, hundreds of LGBTQIA+ country and state travel guides, and articles, fun activities, and games related to the community, there is something for everyone on Gayther. Support your friends, followers, or customers by including a badge or one of the many colourful QR codes in your newsletter, blog, vlog, or website to direct them to resources that connect directly to you, your business, or your service. Discover QR codes and gayther badges today.
When we explore, we learn; the more we know, the greater our
understanding of the world
Gayther is a positive platform for everyone. One that empowers people to understand more about the LGBTQIA+ community by dispelling misinformation, to showcase all aspects of the exceptional and diverse global community and all that it contributes to the world
Planning a trip? Gayther provides extensive country guides for every country across the globe
Find the information you need quickly with the wide range of guides available on Gayther
Be inspired and have some fun, with a wide range of articles, personality tests, quizzes and crosswords on offer
Discover more about sexuality, from the various identities to inspiring content and information
Discover more about the unique and diverse gender identities within the LGBTQIA+ community
Discover more about the special groups and the people and organisations supporting and helping the LGBTQIA+ community
Not sure what you are looking for? There are many ways to find what you need quickly; the search section provides links to the many search services
Impress your friends with key facts and keep updated on the latest developments and trends within the community
Discover Gayther Trinary, three unique services focused on the different aspects and requirements of the LGBTQIA+ community
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The advocates’ and pioneers’ collections are designed to highlight exceptional individuals worldwide. Though Gayther is an LGBTQIA+ community resource, some of the individuals featured may not identify or have confirmed their sexual or gender identity. Gayther believes in inclusivity and in people’s right to choose whether to share personal details, including those in the public eye. Featuring a person is not meant to cause offence or controversy; instead, it is only our intention to showcase exceptional individuals. Though we endeavour to keep all information across the site up to date, we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information displayed. This page may contain external links to third-party websites; Gayther provides these links for your convenience and does not endorse, warrant or recommend any particular products or services. By clicking on any external links, you will leave Gayther and be taken to the third-party website, which you do so at your own risk and by accessing the site, you will be required to comply with the external third party’s terms and conditions of use and privacy policies
