: Transgender women and gender-nonconforming people of color were often at the forefront of militant resistance, such as the Cooper Do-nuts Riot (1959) and the Compton's Cafeteria Riot (1966).
LGBTQ+ culture and the transgender community have deep historical roots characterized by a continuous struggle for visibility, civil rights, and cultural expression. While terms like "transgender" only gained widespread use in the late 20th century, individuals who transcended traditional gender binaries have existed across all cultures for millennia.
: This six-day rebellion in New York City is widely regarded as the spark for the modern, visible LGBTQ+ movement and the origin of Pride parades . Intersectionality and Lived Realities Milestones in the American Gay Rights Movement - PBS
The modern LGBTQ+ movement is often traced back to pivotal acts of resistance against police harassment and state-sanctioned discrimination.
: The Society for Human Rights (1924) and the Mattachine Society (1950) were early organizations that sought social acceptance.