1960: U.S. Court of Federal Claims overturns the Other Than Honorable discharge issued by the Air Force to Fannie Mae Clackum for her alleged homosexuality. This is the first known instance of a homosexuality-related discharge being successfully fought, although the case turned on due process issues and did not affect the military’s policy of excluding homosexuals from service.

1975: Terrance McNally’s comedy The Ritz opens in New York.  Cast member Rita Moreno will go on to win a Tony Award for her performance as singer Googie Gomez.

1979: Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive“, a gay anthem for the ages, begins its 17-week climb up Billboard’s Top 40.

1981: Ronald Reagan is inaugurated in Washington, D.C.

1983: Howard Cruse’s comic strip “Wendel” debuts as a regular feature in The Advocate.