1981-1984


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July , 1981 - The Center for Disease Control first reported that Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia was attacking gay men in disproportionately high numbers. Although there was a documented proof that this disease (later to be understood as one of the opportunistic diseases associated with AIDS) had been plagueing gay men for a number of years, this is the first public recognition by an established mediacal agency of this potentially dangerous health trend.

Other Links: History of AIDS

1981 - Wisconsin became the first state to pass a state-wide gay rights bill.


1982 - The first International Gay Games were held in San Francisco. Over 1,300 gay men and lesbian athletes from 28 states and 10 nations participated.

Other Links: International Gay Games

1982 - Dr. James Curran of the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta headed a national task force investigating what was being called the "gay plague." He called the disease an "epidemic" unprecedented in the history of U.S. medicine. In one year, 413 cases had been reported and 155 victims died.


1984 - The Wall Street Journal changed its editorial policy and now permitted the use of the word "gay" as an alternative to homosexual in the news. Previously the newspaper only used gay in quotes. The New York Times and Associated Press still banned the word gay except when meaning "happy" or when in quotes.

1984 - Federal officials announced the discovery of the probable cause of AIDS: the HTLV-III virus. Scientists created a clone of the AIDS virus, considered to be an important step toward developing a vaccine against the disease.

Other Links: History of AIDS

July 7, 1984 - Charles Howard, a 23 year old gay man was walking home from church when he was attacked by three teenagers. They kicked him and beat him and threw him in a stream where he drowned to death. The boys bragged to their friends and were arretsed. They were convicted on the charge of manslaughter, a crime that legally implies that they did not act in malice.

Other Links: Hate Crimes against Gays

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