Before Stonewall gives an accurate overview of the progression and regression of gays in society throughout the 20th century by utilizing primary sources who witnessed and were involved in some of the most important historical events surrounding gay rights. By tracing back these key events, we can see how society influenced the position of unconventional groups and prevent a prejudiced repeat of history.
In the early 1900’s and 1910’s, homosexuality was believed to be a mental illness that constituted anyone suspected of engaging in gay behavior being thrown into insane asylums.
Society did not see it as a way of life and condemned those who “practiced” it. Gays and lesbians were sent away from their families because they were considered shameful and …show more content…
Gays were “totally disrespected” in this time period and lived mainly in isolation, although some began to gather in groups in certain cities.
Their position in society’s view remained relatively unchanged and their sexuality remained a secret. By the 1930’s, conditions for gays worsened. The Motion Picture Code banned all references to homosexuality in movies. The Great Depression brought on a lot of discrimination in several aspects but very much was targeting gays and lesbians. Political and social unrest resulted across America. Gays and lesbians continued fearing for their safety, and the end of their troubles was not in sight yet.
The 1940’s brought widespread change to America, not only in the areas of gays and lesbians. World War II brought to light a whole world of lesbians and gays that Americans had previously not known to exist. Gay soldiers found others both amongst themselves and around the globe as they were sent away in groups strictly composed of men. As a result, it was a rule that men were not to show affection, especially to other men. Women were allowed into the workforce when needed and allowed lesbian women to gain economic independence. One
In the early 1900’s and 1910’s, homosexuality was believed to be a mental illness that constituted anyone suspected of engaging in gay behavior being thrown into insane asylums.
Society did not see it as a way of life and condemned those who “practiced” it. Gays and lesbians were sent away from their families because they were considered shameful and …show more content…
Gays were “totally disrespected” in this time period and lived mainly in isolation, although some began to gather in groups in certain cities.
Their position in society’s view remained relatively unchanged and their sexuality remained a secret. By the 1930’s, conditions for gays worsened. The Motion Picture Code banned all references to homosexuality in movies. The Great Depression brought on a lot of discrimination in several aspects but very much was targeting gays and lesbians. Political and social unrest resulted across America. Gays and lesbians continued fearing for their safety, and the end of their troubles was not in sight yet.
The 1940’s brought widespread change to America, not only in the areas of gays and lesbians. World War II brought to light a whole world of lesbians and gays that Americans had previously not known to exist. Gay soldiers found others both amongst themselves and around the globe as they were sent away in groups strictly composed of men. As a result, it was a rule that men were not to show affection, especially to other men. Women were allowed into the workforce when needed and allowed lesbian women to gain economic independence. One