Online Lecture: Frank Kameny — Trailblazing the Gay Rights Movement

In 1958, astronomer Frank Kameny was dismissed from the U.S. Army Map Service after refusing to answer questions about his sexual identity under President Eisenhower’s Executive Order 10450. That dismissal set him on a new course: Kameny became one of the nation’s first openly gay LGBT+ rights activists, founding a grassroots advocacy group and organizing the first demonstration for gay rights in front of the White House. Join Carolyn Crouch to explore how Kameny’s fight, sparked by the Lavender Scare of the 1950s, grew into a decades-long struggle for equality that would one day be recognized by President Barack Obama. This lecture will trace the pivotal moments of Kameny’s journey and the lasting impact of his activism.

Your online lecture will take place live over the course of 1-2 hours. All times are listed in the EASTERN time zone. If you live in a different time zone, please adjust your schedule accordingly. This live online experience uses Zoom Webinar, an easy-to-use web video service that includes closed captioning. All you need is an Internet connection and your computer. You will receive a confirmation email when you enroll, and a reminder email one week and one day before, as well as the morning of the event with a link and instructions on how to tune in. You will not be pictured on screen during the lecture, but you will have the opportunity to ask the instructor live questions using the Q&A box. Unless otherwise noted, all those who enroll in this program receive access to the live event as well as a recording of the lecture that you can watch any time within the two weeks following the live event.