Skip to main content

The timeline can be navigated by dragging the pointer on the timeline bar, located at the bottom of the screen on the desktop version and on the left of the screen on mobile. To filter by a specific topic, make a selection on the dropdown “Filters” menu or click “Search” to do a keyword search. To learn more, click “Read More” below.

Read More
Two white woman pose for the camera. Both have glasses and stand in front of a mantel.
Kay Tobin Lahusen and Barbara Gittings, two founders of the Daughters of Bilitis. (Photo: Library of Congress)

Daughters of Bilitis, the first official lesbian organization in the U.S., is founded.

1955

QT
RES
Kay Tobin Lahusen and Barbara Gittings, two founders of the Daughters of Bilitis. (Photo: Library of Congress)

Four founding couples, many of whom are working-class lesbians, create the Daughters of Bilitis. It is the first official lesbian organization in the United States and is created as an alternative to the bar scene. The group is initially led by Filipina lesbian Rose Bamberger, who first comes up with the idea.