Queer history is rich and full of fascinating stories that often go unheard. From the brave activists who fought for rights to the amazing artists who changed culture, LGBTQ+ individuals have shaped our world in many ways. Learning about this history helps us appreciate the struggles and victories of those who came before us. It’s not just about the past; it also helps us understand the present and build a better future.
Today, we’re going to share some fun and interesting trivia about queer history. You might be surprised by what you learn! Did you know that some famous historical figures were part of the LGBTQ+ community? Or that many important movements for equality have deep roots in queer history? Whether you’re a history buff or just curious, these tidbits will open your eyes to an important part of our world. Get ready to test your knowledge and maybe even impress your friends with some cool facts!
Queer History Trivia
Famous Faces in Queer History
1. Who was the first openly gay member of the U.S. Congress? (Answer: Gerry Studds)
2. Which famous artist is known for works like “The Dinner Party”? (Answer: Judy Chicago)
3. Who was the first drag queen to perform at the Stonewall Inn? (Answer: Marsha P. Johnson)
4. Which writer is noted for openly discussing her lesbian identity in works like “Orlando”? (Answer: Virginia Woolf)
5. What historical figure was known as the “Mother of Gay Rights”? (Answer: Harvey Milk)
6. Who starred in the 1970s film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”? (Answer: Tim Curry)
7. Which famous singer came out as gay in 1998? (Answer: George Michael)
8. Which award-winning poet wrote “The Black Garden”? (Answer: Audre Lorde)
9. Who is known for the famous “I Am My Own Wife” monologue? (Answer: Doug Wright)
10. Which Broadway composer wrote the hit musical “Rent”? (Answer: Jonathan Larson)
Moments That Changed Queer History
1. What year did the Stonewall Riots take place? (Answer: 1969)
2. Which event is celebrated on June 28th each year? (Answer: Stonewall Riots)
3. What was the first legal state to allow same-sex marriage in the U.S.? (Answer: Massachusetts)
4. Which landmark Supreme Court case legalized same-sex marriage nationwide in 2015? (Answer: Obergefell v. Hodges)
5. What year was the first LGBTQ+ pride parade held in San Francisco? (Answer: 1970)
6. What landmark act in 1994 provided protections to same-sex partners in domestic violence cases? (Answer: Violence Against Women Act)
7. What significant medical report classified homosexuality as a mental disorder until 1973? (Answer: DSM-II)
8. In what year did the U.S. military end the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy? (Answer: 2011)
9. What was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage? (Answer: Netherlands)
10. In which year did the U.S. Supreme Court rule on gay marriage being a constitutional right? (Answer: 2015)
Trailblazers of Queer Activism
1. Who founded the Gay Liberation Front in 1969? (Answer: Tom Kirdahy)
2. Which LGBTQ+ activist was known for creating the “Harvey Milk Day”? (Answer: Harvey Milk Foundation)
3. What organization was founded by Larry Kramer to address the AIDS crisis? (Answer: ACT UP)
4. Who is considered one of the foremost transgender activists in the U.S.? (Answer: Sylvia Rivera)
5. What organization advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and was founded in 1972? (Answer: Human Rights Campaign)
6. Who famously led the fight for marriage equality in California? (Answer: Chad Griffin)
7. What is the significance of the annual Pride events worldwide? (Answer: Celebrating LGBTQ+ rights and visibility)
8. What activist was known for their work educating about HIV/AIDS prevention? (Answer: Pedro Zamora)
9. Who is a prominent figure in LGBTQ+ rights stemming from the Women’s Liberation Movement? (Answer: Betty Friedan)
10. Who was the founder of the first LGBTQ+ publication in the U.S.? (Answer: Charles M. Wilson)
Queer Literature and Art Through the Ages
1. Who wrote the novel “Giovanni’s Room”? (Answer: James Baldwin)
2. Which playwright created “The Boys in the Band”? (Answer: Mart Crowley)
3. Who is regarded as the first openly gay poet in America? (Answer: Walt Whitman)
4. What contemporary author is known for books like “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”? (Answer: Stephen Chbosky)
5. Who painted the iconic “The Two Fridas”? (Answer: Frida Kahlo)
6. Who is known for the series “LGBTQ+ Visibility Through Photography”? (Answer: Zanele Muholi)
7. Which memoir by Janet Mock discusses her experiences as a transgender woman? (Answer: Redefining Realness)
8. Who is the author of the graphic novel series “Fun Home”? (Answer: Alison Bechdel)
9. Which poet wrote “Sexual Behavior in the Human Male”? (Answer: Alfred Kinsey)
10. Who is a pioneering photographer known for documenting LGBTQ+ lives? (Answer: David Hume Kennerly)
Queer Music Legends and Icons
1. Who is the openly gay pop star associated with the hits “Like a Prayer” and “Vogue”? (Answer: Madonna)
2. Which rock band’s lead singer came out as bisexual in the 1970s? (Answer: The Doors)
3. What iconic singer’s real name is John Elton? (Answer: Elton John)
4. Who is known as the “Queen of Disco”? (Answer: Donna Summer)
5. Which famous singer-songwriter became a prominent spokesperson for LGBTQ+ rights in the ’90s? (Answer: Melissa Etheridge)
6. Who has won multiple Grammys and was one of the first openly gay country singers? (Answer: Ty Herndon)
7. Which artist is famous for the hit “Born This Way”? (Answer: Lady Gaga)
8. Who is the musician known for the song “Same Love”? (Answer: Macklemore)
9. Who is often called the “Prince of Darkness”? (Answer: Ozzy Osbourne)
10. Which music icon identified as queer in a high-profile interview in 2020? (Answer: Lil Nas X)
Sports and LGBTQ+ Milestones
1. Who was the first openly gay athlete to come out while still active in professional sports? (Answer: Billy Bean)
2. Which Olympic diver became the first openly gay male athlete to win a medal? (Answer: Matthew Mitcham)
3. Who is the first openly gay player to be selected in the NFL Draft? (Answer: Michael Sam)
4. What year did the U.S. Supreme Court rule in favor of same-sex marriage, impacting athletes? (Answer: 2015)
5. Who is known for advocating LGBTQ+ rights within Major League Baseball? (Answer: Billy Bean)
6. Which NBA player came out as gay in 2013? (Answer: Jason Collins)
7. Who is the first female athlete to come out as gay in the WNBA? (Answer: Sheryl Swoopes)
8. What is the name of the LGBTQ+ sports organization founded in 1980? (Answer: Athlete Ally)
9. Who is the internationally renowned figure skater who came out in 2014? (Answer: Adam Rippon)
10. Which Olympic swimmer became an advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in sports? (Answer: Ian Thorpe)
Cultural Influence of Queer History
1. Which film depicted the life of Harvey Milk? (Answer: Milk)
2. What classic film features a relationship between two women in a conservative society? (Answer: Carol)
3. Which animated series features a prominent LGBTQ+ character named Kurt? (Answer: Steven Universe)
4. Who is the creator of the series “Pose,” known for its LGBTQ+ representation? (Answer: Ryan Murphy)
5. What play by Tony Kushner delves into themes of LGBTQ+ identity in the 1980s? (Answer: Angels in America)
6. Who wrote the musical “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”? (Answer: John Cameron Mitchell)
7. What animated movie includes a same-sex couple as a central plot point? (Answer: The Miseducation of Cameron Post)
8. Which documentary explores the life of iconic drag queen RuPaul? (Answer: RuPaul’s Drag Race)
9. Which series focused on a group of LGBTQ+ friends navigating life in 2000s New York City? (Answer: Queer as Folk)
10. Who directed the film “Pride,” based on a true story of LGBTQ+ activism? (Answer: Matthew Warchus)
Final Thoughts
Exploring queer history reveals the incredible contributions and struggles of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout time. From brave activists to influential artists, their stories inspire us to appreciate every milestone achieved in the fight for equality. Understanding this vibrant history enriches our appreciation of the present and motivates us to contribute to a brighter future for everyone.
We encourage you to keep learning more about these important topics. Whether it’s through exploring more Queer trivia at this link or diving into LGBTQ+ trivia at this link, there is always more to discover!