14 Historical LGBTQ+ Figures You Should Absolutely Know About

We've come so far, but still have so far to go.

The history of the LGBTQ+ community simply trying to be accepted goes back as far as any of us can remember (especially since it's still happening), but there were so many people who played a pivotal part in moving us forward and fighting for our rights.

Because we can't go to where we're going without understanding where we've been, here are 14 unsung LGBTQ+ historical heroes who don't get the type of attention they deserve.

1. Marsha P. Johnson

Marsha P. Johnson was a pioneering transgender activist and a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. She played a crucial role in the Stonewall uprising of 1969, which sparked the modern gay rights movement. Her tireless advocacy and co-founding of the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) organization helped bring visibility and support to transgender individuals.

2. Sylvia Rivera

Sylvia Rivera was a transgender activist and another key figure in the Stonewall uprising. As a Latina transgender woman, she fought tirelessly for the rights of transgender and gender non-conforming people, particularly those who were marginalized within the LGBTQ+ community itself. Rivera co-founded STAR with Marsha P. Johnson and worked to address issues such as homelessness and discrimination faced by transgender individuals.

3. Barbara Gittings

Barbara Gittings was a prominent lesbian activist and played a significant role in advancing LGBTQ+ rights. She fought for the inclusion of LGBTQ+ literature in public libraries and led protests against discriminatory policies. Gittings' advocacy and work with organizations like the Daughters of Bilitis helped pave the way for greater acceptance and understanding of lesbian rights.

4. Alan Turing

Alan Turing was a brilliant mathematician, logician, and computer scientist who made invaluable contributions to the field of computing. Despite his remarkable achievements, his life was tragically marred by persecution due to his homosexuality. Turing's work during World War II in breaking the German Enigma code was pivotal, and his legacy as a gay icon highlights the importance of recognizing the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout history.

5. Oliver Sipple

Oliver Sipple was an openly gay Vietnam War veteran who inadvertently became an LGBTQ+ rights symbol. In 1975, Sipple heroically saved President Gerald Ford from an assassination attempt. However, fearing public backlash, Sipple's sexual orientation was revealed by the media, resulting in personal struggles and estrangement from his family. His story shed light on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and the need for greater acceptance.

6. Hans Scholl

Hans Scholl was a German student and resistance fighter during World War II. Alongside his sister Sophie, he co-founded the White Rose, a non-violent anti-Nazi resistance group. While not primarily known for his LGBTQ+ activism, Scholl's resistance against a regime that persecuted LGBTQ+ individuals underscores the importance of standing up for equality and justice for all marginalized communities, and he is one of the more prolific queer activists to challenge the Nazi Party. He was executed at age 24.

7. Mark Ashton

Mark Ashton was a gay rights activist who co-founded the Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) group during the UK miners' strike in the 1980s, which ultimately inspired the 2014 film, Pride. Ashton's efforts to build solidarity between the LGBTQ+ community and the labor movement played a crucial role in fostering understanding and challenging prejudice. He died at 26 from HIV-related complications.

8. Bayard Rustin

Bayard Rustin was a prominent civil rights and gay rights activist who played a significant role in organizing the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Despite facing discrimination due to his sexual orientation, Rustin's tireless advocacy for racial equality and nonviolent resistance made a lasting impact. He served as an important bridge between the civil rights and LGBTQ+ rights movements and delivered a landmark speech in 1968 which described gay people as “the new barometer for social change.”

9. Ma Rainey

Ma Rainey, often referred to as the "Mother of the Blues," was a pioneering bisexual African-American singer and songwriter. Through her music, Rainey expressed her experiences as a Black queer woman in the early 20th century, challenging societal norms and paving the way for LGBTQ+ artists in the music industry. Her boldness and authenticity continue to inspire generations of queer musicians. After she retired, she opened two music venues to continue offering opportunities to other performers.

10. Dave Kopay

Dave Kopay was the first professional American football player to come out as gay, though he did it three years after retiring from the NFL. His decision to publicly disclose his sexuality in 1975, a time when LGBTQ+ rights were still in their infancy, made a significant impact in raising awareness and challenging stereotypes. Kopay's bravery helped pave the way for greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ athletes and created a space for future athletes to be open about their identities. He also became a major donor to the Q Center at the University of Washington, his alma mater, which gives resources for LGBTQ+ students.

11. Christine Jorgensen

Christine Jorgensen was a transgender woman who gained international attention in the 1950s as one of the first individuals to undergo gender confirmation surgery. Her decision to openly share her transition and personal journey played a significant role in raising awareness and understanding of transgender issues. Jorgensen's bravery and advocacy helped pave the way for greater acceptance and rights for transgender individuals, making her an important figure in LGBTQ+ history. Her fame led her to eventually become a singer, dancer, performer, and advocate for those facing similar struggles.

12. Larry Kramer

Larry Kramer was a prominent gay rights activist, playwright, and author. He co-founded the Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC), one of the first organizations dedicated to addressing the HIV/AIDS crisis. Kramer's fierce advocacy and leadership in raising awareness about the epidemic and pushing for effective medical treatments and policies saved countless lives and transformed the LGBTQ+ community's response to the crisis.

13. Florence Nightingale

Florence Nightingale, while not directly associated with LGBTQ+ activism, is remembered for her groundbreaking work as a nurse and statistician. She challenged societal expectations for women and played a pivotal role in professionalizing the nursing field. Nightingale's resilience and dedication serve as an inspiration for LGBTQ+ individuals pursuing careers in healthcare and breaking down barriers. Although most people don’t realize she was queer, she spent a large time on an unrequited infatuation with her cousin, Marianne Nicholson.

14. James Beard

James Beard, a celebrated American chef and cookbook author, was an influential figure in the culinary world. Although Beard never publicly discussed his sexual orientation during his lifetime, he has posthumously become an important gay icon. His culinary expertise and success demonstrate that LGBTQ+ individuals can excel and thrive in any field, breaking stereotypes and inspiring queer chefs and food enthusiasts worldwide.