10 Queer Milestones to Celebrate from the Last Decade

As another year ends and a decade concludes, the climate of the United States remains tempestuous at best. From historic political events to the climate change crisis, it can be challenging to find a ray of sunshine in what at first glance seems to be a perpetually gloomy world. However dismal things may seem, there are still plenty of reasons for us to rejoice, especially those of us in the LGBTI community.

In the past ten years, we have made progress like never before. Yes, that progress has been slowed in some areas, but if you look at the passion, resiliency, and drive of those leading the charge today it’s easy to believe that progress will continue into the next decade. We’re picking up the mantle of those who came before us and not backing down, just as they refused to do in the past.

If you’re still feeling glum or uninspired about the future, take a look at these ten milestone events that happened in the past ten years and have changed life for the queer community for the better. Take a look and find peace or, better yet, be inspired to be a part of another momentous milestone in the coming years.

1) Proposition 8 is found unconstitutional by a federal judge

The 2008 proposition 8, attempted to make same-sex marriage constitutionally illegal in the state of California. Having this struck down in 2010, set a very important precedent for other states attempting to pass similar legislation.

2) RuPaul's Drag Race becomes a huge phenomenon

The second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race aired in 2010, setting us up for a decade of unprecedented representation for the queer community on television. It has catapulted icons onto the global stage, including #bicon Courtney Act. 

3) “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is repealed

This policy was supposed to make it easier for non-straight service members to serve safely in the United States. It had the effect of forcing them into the closet or face losing their jobs. Obama's repeal finally made it possible for queer service members to serve openly. 

4) The U.S. President was a public ally

In 2012 Barack Obama was the first sitting U.S. president to publicly support the freedom of LGBTI couples to marry in an interview with ABC. Obama's administration also hosted a series of Bisexual Community Briefings and the White House. 

5) Countries around the world begin to legalize same-sex marriage

In 2010 Portugal becomes the 8th country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. The trend picks up speed over the course of the decade. Iceland (2010), Uruguay (2013), The Republic of Ireland (2015), Columbia (2016), Bermuda and Australia (2017), and many more joined the trend of legalizing same-sex marriage.  The U.S. Supreme court joins the trend when it rules that states cannot ban same-sex marriage in 2015. In total, 28 countries now have legalized same-sex marriage. Many others have states/provinces that have legalized or have created same-sex civil unions. 

6) President Barack Obama designates the Stonewall Inn in New York City a national monument

The site of the historic 1969 Stonewall uprising and one of the origins of the modern gay rights movements, became the first national monument to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ) rights. 

7) A record number of out LGBTI athletes compete at the Summer Olympics

The summer games in Rio de Janeiro hosted many queer athletes, with at least 56 LGBTI Olympians competing. Those athletes included the openly bi boxer Nicola Adams and her gold medal win. 

8) Growing acceptance of diverse gender expression

The District of Columbia residents became the first in the United States to choose the gender-neutral option of “X” rather than male or female on their driver’s license.

9) Decline of the "gay and trans" panic defense

New York follows California, Rhode Island, Illinois, Nevada, and Connecticut to become the sixth state to ban the use of the so-called “gay and trans panic” legal defense strategy, which was used to convince juries that it was the victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity that elicited the defendant’s violent reaction. 

10) So much representation

Billy Porter becomes the first openly gay African-American man to win an Emmy award for his role on the ground-breaking program Pose (2018-Present). 

In 2019 Lady Gaga gave us unprecedented bi representation at the Academy Awards, being one of a small handful of openly bi women to be nominated for any awards, let alone best actress and best song. 

Janelle Monae rocked the charts while her girlfriend Tessa Thompson brought Valkyrie to life on the big screen. 

We are seeing more celebrities coming out every year, we'll be celebrating some of them this January on bi.org and seeing more and more amazing characters appearing on our television and in theaters. 

What’s great about this list is that there are so many more momentous accomplishments that took place in the past ten years that it would be near impossible to include them all. If one such event inspired you or made you feel hope, please share it in the comments. Whatever you do, know that we are a community and no matter how dark the world may seem outside, together we can overcome it.