History
Since 1978, GLAD has achieved scores of legal victories to end discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status, and gender identity and expression.
In 1978, during a different hot, tumultuous summer, at the height of disco and in the wake of orange juice queen Anita Bryant’s national anti-gay crusade, GLAD was born.
That year, young Boston lawyer and GLAD founder John Ward knew that it was revolutionary for an organization to have the words “gay and lesbian” in its name, much less advocate for LGBTQ+ legal rights.
But revolutions are born out of necessity. The necessity of that moment was a Boston police sting operation that targeted and outed hundreds of gay men. They needed legal defense and representation, and John stepped up.
Since that time, with your support, GLAD has changed the landscape of LGBTQ rights in more ways than can be summarized. Check out our timeline below to learn a little more about what we have accomplished together, and join us in our ongoing work to ensure that the future is a place that celebrates all of us, and where all can live freely and authentically.
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Year
Issue
GLAD is Founded
GLAD is founded in response to a sting operation against gay men at the Boston Public Library.
11/17/1979
Credit: Gay Community NewsDefending the Right to Free Speech
GLAD defends a man arrested and charged with disorderly conduct for posting publicity for a Gay Pride rally.
Tuxedos for Two
In Fricke v. Lynch, GLAD wins the right of Rhode Island high school senior Aaron Fricke to attend prom with his boyfriend.
First National Gay & Lesbian Legal Directory
GLAD publishes the first national gay & lesbian legal directory in an effort to connect the gay and lesbian community with state-specific friendly attorneys, who can effectively represent them.
Rights Cards
In an action designed to inform and protect the gay community when interacting with the police, GLAD begins producing and distributing Rights Cards.
Defending MA Gay Rights Bill
GLAD files an amicus brief responding to Massachusetts State Senate questions surrounding a proposed gay rights bill. MA Supreme Judicial Court rules that the term “sexual preference,” as used in the bill, is not constitutionally vague and the bill again goes before the legislature.
Beginning Work with National Sodomy Law Project
GLAD joins a collaborative effort, with other gay and lesbian legal organizations and ACLU chapters, to challenge state sodomy laws still in existence across the country.
Creating the AIDS Law Project
In response to complaints from several sources in the community alleging discrimination in the treatment of gay men at a Boston hospital, GLAD launches the project to protect the rights of people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS.
The Best Interest of Children
In Babets v. Johnston, GLAD sues to allow gay and lesbian people to be foster parents in MA.
Plaintiffs Don Babets & David Jean
Credit: Ellen Shub 2007Honorable Discharge
GLAD wins one of the first honorable discharges for a U.S. service member targeted for being gay or lesbian.
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