Timeline

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Take a look at the vast expanse of trans history elegantly laid out on our highly-rated timeline. Knowledge and history from the 18th century to the present are available. This timeline covers various topics such as who was the first trans woman to undergo a sex change, laws, and legislation directly affecting trans lives, and how the media has portrayed trans people over time.

1533

Homosexuality in the United Kingdom was historically illegal under various laws. The Buggery Act of 1533 criminalized anal intercourse between men, punishable by death. This law persisted for centuries, with punishments evolving to include imprisonment under the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861. It wasn’t until the Sexual Offences Act of 1967 that homosexual acts between men over 21 were partially decriminalized in England and Wales. Despite subsequent legal reforms, discrimination and inequality against LGBTQ+ individuals persisted and continued to be addressed over time.

Buggery Act

1859

Albert Cashier moved to New York at 16 in 1859. In 1862, at 19, Albert enlisted in Abraham Lincoln’s Union army during the American Civil War. Serving in around 40 battles, Albert’s courageous decision to fight for the Union was remarkable, especially considering the societal norms of the time. Living as a transgender man in an era with little understanding of such identities, Albert’s story reflects not only military dedication but also a bold challenge to traditional gender expectations.

Albert Cashier

1922

Dora Richter, recognized as the pioneer in male-to-female sex reassignment, initiated groundbreaking sexual-reassignment surgeries at the Institute for Sexual Research in Dresden. Her courageous steps in the early stages of these procedures marked a significant milestone in the history of gender transition and medical understanding of transgender experiences.

Dora Richter

1963

ackie Shane was a pioneering transgender soul singer from Nashville, Tennessee, known for her captivating performances and unique vocal style. Born in 1940, Shane gained prominence in the 1960s with her hit single “Any Other Way,” which became a chart-topping R&B hit in Canada in 1963. Despite her talent and success, Shane faced discrimination and challenges due to her gender identity, navigating the music industry during a time when transgender individuals faced significant stigma and marginalization. While she eventually stepped away from the spotlight in the 1970s, Jackie Shane’s legacy as a trailblazer in music and transgender visibility continues to be celebrated today.

Jackie Shane

1969

Marsha P. Johnson was a pioneering figure in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, known for her pivotal role in the Stonewall Riots of 1969 and her relentless activism for transgender and homeless individuals. Alongside Sylvia Rivera, she co-founded the Gay Liberation Front and Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR), advocating tirelessly for the rights of marginalized communities. Despite her impactful work, Johnson’s life was tragically cut short when her body was discovered in the Hudson River on July 6, 1992. Initially ruled a suicide by authorities, suspicions of foul play lingered within the LGBTQ+ community, prompting calls for further investigation into her death, which remains officially unsolved. Her legacy serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by transgender individuals and the urgent need for justice and equality for all.

Marsha P. Johnson & The Stone Wall Riot

2010

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), signed by President Barack Obama, marked a pivotal moment for the transgender community by including protections against discrimination based on gender identity in healthcare. This provision prohibited healthcare providers and insurance companies from discriminating against individuals due to their gender identity, ensuring equal access to essential healthcare services such as hormone therapy, gender-affirming surgeries, and mental health support. By addressing longstanding disparities in healthcare access and treatment faced by transgender individuals, the ACA played a crucial role in promoting their health and well-being, affirming their right to quality healthcare regardless of gender identity.

The Affordabel Care Act (ACA)

2015

The legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States on June 26, 2015, through the Supreme Court’s ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges marked a historic milestone for LGBTQ+ rights. The court’s decision affirmed the fundamental right to marry for same-sex couples under the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. This landmark ruling not only invalidated state-level bans on same-sex marriage nationwide but also had significant implications for transgender individuals. It underscored the importance of recognizing and protecting the rights of all individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, including transgender people, by affirming their right to enter into legally recognized marriages regardless of their gender identity. The decision brought greater visibility and acceptance to transgender relationships and families, contributing to broader societal acceptance and understanding of transgender rights and issues.

Legalization of same sex marriage

2017

In a significant move, President Donald Trump rescinded the Obama-era guidance on transgender students in public schools, effectively reversing protections put in place to ensure the rights and safety of transgender students. The previous guidance, issued by the Obama administration, aimed to safeguard transgender students’ access to facilities and accommodations consistent with their gender identity, including bathrooms and locker rooms. By revoking this guidance, the Trump administration rolled back crucial measures designed to combat discrimination and promote inclusivity in educational settings for transgender students. This action sparked widespread criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and civil rights organizations, who argued that it undermined the dignity and well-being of transgender students, exacerbating the challenges they face in accessing equal educational opportunities and fostering a hostile environment that perpetuates stigma and marginalization

Donald Trump rescinded the Obama-era guidance

2020

Valentina Sampaio made history as the first openly transgender model to grace the pages of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Her debut in the magazine marked a significant milestone for transgender visibility in the fashion industry, signaling a step towards greater inclusion and representation. While the specific date of her debut may vary depending on the publication date of the magazine issue in different regions, her groundbreaking presence in the iconic publication resonated globally, inspiring and empowering individuals within and beyond the transgender community.

Valentina Sampaio

2024

The recent policies targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts are deeply concerning for the transgender community. By prohibiting DEI-promoting offices and programs, endorsing divisive concepts, and mandating restrooms based on biological sex, these measures exacerbate discrimination and exclusion. They strip away vital support systems and erase transgender voices from public discourse, perpetuating disparities and denying basic dignity. These policies underscore the urgent need for genuine inclusivity and acceptance for transgender individuals.