Statistical Timeline and Overview of Gay Life

The history of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community is one of pride and a rich sense of heritage in the midst of prejudice, oppression, and misunderstanding. Seeing the development of the LGBT identity and community over time, a person is struck by the bravery of individual LGBT people and the community itself in its struggle for dignity, civil rights, and acceptance by society. It is a story of human suffering, secret lives, and rejection—but ultimately one of a fight for freedom and visibility that is a part of the proud heritage of expanding civil rights and "the pursuit of happiness" that is the story of America at is best.