This Day in Gay History: Henry Gerber

On June 1st, 1924, Henry Gerber had an article published in Modern Thinker that attacked the view that homosexuality is a neurosis. Gerber, a postal worker in Chicago, started the Society for Human Rights, which is America's first known gay rights organization. According to the society's mission statement, "The Society for Human Rights is formed to promote and protect the interests of people who are abused and hindered in the legal pursuit of happiness which is guaranteed them by the Declaration of Independence, and to combat the public prejudices against them."

Gerber went on to distribute a newsletter called "Friends and Freedom," for which he was arrested and held for three days without a warrant or being charged with any infractions. Upon release, he lost his job for "conduct unbecoming a postal worker." For a more complete profile of Gerber, Click Here.

As June is traditionally filled with Pride festivals, parades, marches, and more, My Small Gay World will celebrate along with you. We'll note historical figures, brave people who've paved the way and upon whose shoulders we stand, and events that have shaped where we are today. Take pride, be gay!