Delaware Queer Events Throughout History

The timeline was created to offer a more inclusive perspective that pairs important moments in LGBTQ+ history in Delaware and across America throughout time. While this list is not exhaustive of all important historical moments in Delaware, it aims to provide context to the stories included in this project, while also illustrating the continuing challenges and successes of the Gay Rights Movement.

Map of Delaware with heart icon markers at: Newark, Wilmington, Dover, Rehoboth and Sussex County.

Delaware Focused Events

United States Focused Events

1600s: Pre-colonization

For thousands of years before the European invasion of America, the Indigenous people of Lenapehoking (the land we call Delaware) did not hold limiting beliefs or leadership roles for specific genders. In fact, they were a matrilineal community that thrived in the absence of restrictive gender roles and standards later prescribed by Christian Europeans.

1631-1704: Colonization

In the early years of the European invasion, single, young, white men typically populated the colonies without the company of women. Scholars believe that gender imbalance likely led to same-sex sexual encounters.

1681-1704: Quaker Sodomy Laws

The colony of Delaware is governed as part of the colony of Pennsylvania. As such, Quaker laws pertaining to the crime of “sodomy” prescribed corporal punishment and six months in a “house of correction.”

Image: A 1775 map shows Delaware, known at the time as the “Three Lower Counties,” which was part of the colony of Pennsylvania. 

A map depicting colonial Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey. Delaware is labeled as “Delaware counties.”
Source: Library of Congress

1719: English Sodomy Laws

A Delaware statute inspired by English law calls for the death penalty for the felony crimes of “sodomy.” This law remained in effect until 1826.

A section of text which describes the punishment for sodomy.
Section 5 of Laws of Delaware, Volume 1, from 1719. Source: Delaware Public Archives

1737: Walking Purchase Deed

The Lenape lose most of their ancestral lands due to the “Walking Purchase” deed. Many indigenous people move west or are killed by conflict or disease.

1775-1783: American Revolution

1830-1910: Industrial Revolution

Changes in Delaware’s economic structure transformed society. The early nineteenth century saw new improvements in transportation and industry. The Industrial Revolution led to men living and working with other men, and women living and working with other women. Another kind of gender-imbalanced environment was created through these new economic opportunities. 

Image: Lithograph poster of the Harlan & Hollingsworth & Company Factory in Wilmington, DE, circa 1850.

An illustration of a steam ship factory with a train in the foreground and boats on a river in the background.
Source: Library of Congress.

1861-1865: American Civil War

Image: Civil War soldiers from the First Delaware Regiment and Guard pose in this photo circa 1861-1865.

An illustration of a steam ship factory with a train in the foreground and boats on a river in the background.
Source: Courtesy of the Delaware Historical Society

1875-1920: Early Queer Coverage

Articles about queer people in Delaware appear in local newspapers. While most are about Delaware men being arrested and convicted of sodomy and cross dressing, by contrast, an 1899 article in the Middletown Transcript matter-of-factly describes a well-known person of color named “Ned” Anderson who was well-liked and known to dress in “female attire-bonnet and all.”

Image: A story from the September 5, 1899, edition of The Evening Journal of Wilmington, DE.

An excerpt from an article about a man named “Ned” who is sick at home.
Source: Library of Congress, Chronicling America

1888: D.C. Drag Balls

William Dorsey Swann, a Black, queer man born into slavery, invents what are known as “drag balls” in Washington, D.C.

1892: Defining Homosexuality

The concept and term “homosexuality” is introduced to America with the English translation of Psychopathia Sexualis by Richard von Krafft-Ebing. The text posited that homosexuality was caused by a mental illness.

1903: Edward Bringhurst III/V in “drag”

Edward Bringhurst III is one of the earliest known queer people to have lived in Delaware. He was the youngest of four children, born to the Quaker family, the Bringhursts, who moved into the Rockwood Mansion in 1892.

Image: Edward Bringhurst III/V poses in costume on the south lawn of Rockwood in October 1903.

A black and white photo of a white man seen smiling softly and posing in a Victorian dress, hat, and gloves.
Source: University of Delaware Special Collections

1907: Dunbar-Nelson/Kruse Letters

Dozens of letters, some romantic and some mundane, were shared between lovers and colleagues Edwina Kruse and Alice Dunbar-Nelson shortly after the turn of the century, in Wilmington, DE.

Image: Portraits of Alice Dunbar-Nelson, left, and Edwina Kruse digitally stitched together in a composite.

A composite image of two portraits of Black women educators
Source: University of Delaware Special Collections and Government Information Center graphic design team

1914-1918: World War I

1929: Involuntary Sterilization

Delaware amends an existing law in a way that leads to queer people repeatedly convicted of “sodomy” being subject to involuntary sterilization.

Image: An undated aerial view of Delaware State Hospital.

A black and white aerial photograph of a large building situated behind large trees.
Source: Delaware Public Archives

1930: Carpenter’s Queer Parties

In the 1930s and well into the 1950s, Louisa Carpenter held parties at her family home in Rehoboth Beach where queer people could meet and be themselves.

Image: An undated photograph of Libby Holman (left) and Louisa Carpenter at a horse show in Wilmington, Delaware.

Two light-skinned women are seen talking in the stands of the horse show.
Source: Libby Holman: Body and Soul by Hamilton Darby Perry.

1939-1945: World War II

1947: The Lavender Scare

The “Lavender Scare” begins as the U.S. government launches campaigns to fire communists and homosexuals, the latter of whom could be blackmailed into committing espionage.

Image: May 20, 1950, edition of The News Journal, from Wilmington, DE

An article titled “Senate Pushes Pervert Probe…Report Says 3,750 (homosexuals) employed by U.S.”
Source: newspapers.com

1952: Homosexuality as a Mental Disorder

The American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) first Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is released, classifying homosexuality as a “sociopathic personality disturbance.”

1953: Executive Order #10405

President Dwight D. Eisenhower issues Executive Order #10405, effectively banning gay men and lesbian women from working for the federal government.

1954: Vietnam War

Americans become involved in the Vietnam War.

1954: ONE Magazine Local Subscriptions

Archival subscription orders show that men from all three counties in Delaware subscribed to ONE magazine, a national male homosexual magazine.

Image: A ONE magazine subscription card dated January 22, 1954.

A ONE magazine subscription card filled-out by a “Lawrence” from Bridgeville, Delaware.
Source: ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives

1955: The Daughters of Bilitis

The Daughters of Bilitis, the first lesbian rights organization, was founded.

1961: Officials Confer on Homosexuality

Wilmington police consult with the state psychiatrist on how law enforcement should handle an increasing number of queer people being charged with lewdness.

Image: A September 13, 1961, edition of The Morning News coverage from Wilmington, DE.

An article with the title, “Treatment Studied for Sex Deviates.”
Source: Newspapers.com

1964: Increasing Queer Presence

Police increase their presence on Sussex County beaches to rid the area of “homosexuals coming from Baltimore and Washington.”

Image: A July 28, 1964, edition of The News Journal in Wilmington, DE.

An article titled “Rehoboth Fears Harm to Resort Image.”
Source: newspapers.com

1969: Stonewall Uprising

On June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a mafia-run gay bar, and instead of fleeing, queer people fought back. The uprising lasts multiple days with thousands of protestors publicly standing up against police discrimination and violence experienced by queer people.

Image: The sign left by police following a June 28, 1969, raid is on display at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich VIllage, New York City.

A sign that reads, “This is a raided premises. Police Dept. City of New York…”
Source: Wikipedia

1970: First Pride March

The first Pride march, the “Christopher Street Liberation Day,” is held in New York City’s Greenwich Village to commemorate the Stonewall Uprising.

1972: UD Gay Student Union

The Gay Student Union (GSU) at the University of Delaware is formed.

Image: An advertisement for the Gay Student Union appeared in The Review, the University of Delaware’s student newspaper, on September 26, 1980.

An advertisement lists the club as an educational, support, and social group of about 400 students, staff, faculty and community people.
Source: University of Delaware Archives and Records Management

1973: Homosexuality redefined

APA removes homosexuality from the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

1973: Delaware Repeals Sodomy Laws

Thanks to five years of lobbying by Robert Vane and Human Enlightenment Inc., Delaware repeals its anti-sodomy laws, effectively making homosexuality legal in Delaware.

Image: The Morning News, in Wilmington, DE, covers Robert Vane’s lobbying efforts in this edition dated February 6, 1973.

An article with the title “Homosexuals’ rights concern lobbyist.” appears next to a photo of a white man wearing a suit in Legislative Hall.
Source: newspapers.com

1975: Lesbian Press Founded

Anyda Marchant and Muriel Crawford of Rehoboth Beach co-found Naiad Press to publish Marchant’s lesbian fiction novels under the name Sarah Aldridge.

Image: Anyda Marchant (left) and Muriel Crawford pose for a photo at their home on Ann-B Street in Rehoboth Beach in 1959.

Two white women with short hair, glasses, and button-up shirts stand smiling in a kitchen.
Source: Courtesy of Fay Jacobs

1975: Transgender Prisoner Rights

A transgender woman prisoner named Sharon Davis (born Roger) is refused a “sex-change operation” and is confined to a small hospital room in a men’s prison.

Image: A July 2, 1975, edition of The Morning News, in Wilmington, DE, covers the story of Sharon Davis.

An article titled “Roger/Sharon poses a prison problem” appears next to a photo of a Black woman with short hair.
Source: Newspapers.com

1977: Aumiller Lawsuit

Richard Aumiller, University of Delaware theater professor, wins his lawsuit against UD after being denied a contract renewal because of his sexuality.

Image: The Morning News, in Wilmington, DE, reports on June 22, 1977, that Richard Aumiller won his discrimination lawsuit against the University of Delaware.

An article titled, “Aumiller wins suit against UD” appears next to a photograph of a white man with brown hair.
Source: newspapers.com

1978: Ivo Dominguez Jr. and James Welch Meet

Ivo Dominguez Jr. and James Welch meet at Newark’s Lobby Bar, one of Delaware’s first gay bars.

Image: The News Journal, in Wilmington, DE, publishes an article on June 23, 1986, about Ivo Dominguez Jr. and James Welch.

An article with the title “Sharing a cause, a home and a love for each other,” appears next to a photograph of two men and their dog.
Source: newspapers.com

1979: National Pride March

“50 Delawareans” March in Washington D.C.’s first National March for Lesbian and Gay Rights.

Image: The October 16, 1979, edition of the University of Delaware’s The Review Covers the “50 Delawareans” March in D.C.

A newspaper clipping titled, “50 Delaware Homosexuals March with 75,000 to Rally in Washington.” A photo of a large crowd appears alongside the article.
Source: Haven Student Organization Collection, University of Delaware Archives and Records Management

1980: The Renegade

The Renegade Restaurant and bar opens and burns down three months later.

Image: The News Journal, in Wilmington, DE, reports on the arson at the Renegade in this July 3, 1980, edition.

An article with the title, “Fire levels Rehoboth restaurant.”
Source: newspapers.com

1982: Gay and Lesbian Alliance of Delaware

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance of Delaware (GLAD) and GLAD’s Health Issues Committee are established. A statewide hotline for gay and lesbian issues is launched.

Image: An advertisement for GLAD membership appears in the October 11, 1988, edition of The News Journal, of Wilmington, DE.

A newspaper clipping with a graphic featuring a lambda symbol and a triangle with the text “Daring to be yourself.”
Source: Newspapers.com

1983: Delaware’s First AIDS Case

Delaware confirms its first case of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Image: An image of a man carrying a sign that reads “Fight AIDS NOT People with AIDS,” appears in the October 15, 1989 edition of The News Journal of Wilmington, DE.

A photo of a man holding a sign saying, “Fight AIDS, Not People with AIDS” appears in the newspaper.
Source: Newspapers.com

1983: Hen’s Teeth

Hen’s Teeth, Delaware’s first queer bookstore, opens in Wilmington.

Image: Hen’s Teeth Bookstore, shown in this photo circa 1984, was located at 6 E. 7th Street in Wilmington, DE.

Hen’s Teeth, Delaware’s first queer bookstore, opens in Wilmington. 

Image: Hen’s Teeth Bookstore, shown in this photo circa 1984, was located at 6 E. 7th Street in Wilmington, DE.
Source: Ivo Dominguez Jr.

1984: Delaware Lesbian & Gay Health Advocates

Delaware’s first AIDS service organization, Delaware Lesbian and Gay Health Advocates (DLGHA) is founded.

Image: A July 30, 1989, edition of The News Journal, in Wilmington, DE, shares information about DLGHA.

An advertisement which lists services like AIDS Education, Financial and legal support, and free and anonymous HIV testing.
Source: Newspapers.com

1986: Griffin Community Center

Delaware’s first LGBTQ+ community center (the Griffin Community Center) opens in Wilmington.

Image: The original facade of 214 N. Market Street in Wilmington is shown here before the building was transformed into the Griffin Community Center.

The exterior of a three-story building in downtown Wilmington.
Source: Ivo Dominguez Jr.

1986: Stephen Swain

Activist Stephen Swain, Delaware’s first person living openly with AIDS, dies.

Image: The Morning News, of Wilmington, DE, reports on Steven Swain’s death in 1986.

An article with an illustration of a white man with glasses appears next to an article titled, “Just as his world was opening up, it ended.”
Source: Newspapers.com

1987: AIDS Awareness Week

DLGHA spearheads the first AIDS Awareness Week in Delaware.

Image: The first annual AIDS Walk for Life was held at Rodney Square in Wilmington, DE

A group of activists sit on steps behind a table that reads “Delaware AIDS Walk.” A sign leaning on the table reads. “Prevent it! AIDS Information.”
Source: Ivo Dominguez Jr.

1987: Homophobic Law Introduced

Former state Rep. Bradford Barnes attempts to reinstate the sodomy law, but other lawmakers block his proposal.

Image: The Morning News of Wilmington, DE, publishes an article on April 29, 1987, about state Rep. Bradford Barnes’s public apology.

An article titled “House leader apologizes for gay criticism,” shows Rep. Bradford Barns crying in front of a microphone.
Source: Newspapers.com

1988: Die-in Protest

DLGHA stages Delaware’s first organized Die-In at Rodney Square in Wilmington.

Image: A May 19, 1988, edition of The News Journal of Wilmington, DE, covers the “Die-In” in Wilmington.

A newspaper article titled “Die-in’ points out that many live on borrowed time.”
Source: Newspapers.com

1991: CAMP Rehoboth

Murray Archibald and Steve Elkins launch CAMP Rehoboth and its free monthly newsletter, Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, in response to rampant homophobia in Sussex County.

Image: Shown here are some of the very first editions from the 1990s of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth.

A photograph of three issues of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth.
Source: CAMP Rehoboth

1992: Police Sensitivity Training

Rehoboth Beach police institute sensitivity training for working with the area’s queer community.

Image: The June 25, 1992, edition of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth (Volume 2, No. 5) shares details about the training.

An article titled “Rehoboth Beach Police Sensitivity Training Held.”
Source: CAMP Rehoboth

1993: Rehoboth Hate Crime

Hate crimes are committed against three men on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, leaving one with permanent brain damage.

Image: A May 18, 1993, edition of The News Journal in Wilmington, DE, covers the violent Rehoboth Beach hate crimes.

An article titled, “3 hurt in Rehoboth gay-bashing.
Source: Newspapers.com

1996: Defense of Marriage Act

President Bill Clinton signs the Defense of Marriage Act, effectively outlawing states from recognizing same-sex marriages.

1997: First Delaware Pride Festival

Delaware Pride organizes Delaware’s first “Pride Festival” in Wilmington’s Rodney Square.

Image: The second annual Delaware Pride Festival in 1998.

A rainbow flag and balloon arch is seen in a public square.
Source: Photo by Andrew Zelt

1997: Hate Crimes Protections

Then-Governor Thomas Carper signs Senate Bill 53, increasing the penalty for crimes committed against anyone targeted solely because of sexual orientation.

Image: A July 13, 1997 edition of The News Journal of WIlmington, DE, covers the legalization of Senate Bill 53.

An article titled, “Bill curbing hate crimes becomes law.”
Source: newspapers.com

1998: Matthew Shepard Murdered

Matthew Shepard is abducted and murdered in Wyoming.

Image: Photo of the memorial bench for Mathew Shepard from July 2, 2010

A memorial plaque for Mathew Wayne Shepard. December 1, 1976 to October 12, 1998.
Source: Flickr

2001: Same-sex Parent Adoption

Family Court of Delaware rules that gay couples can legally adopt.

Image: An October 16, 2001, edition of The News Journal of Wilmington, DE, covers a local courts ruling related to same-sex couples adopting children.

An article titled “Gay Delaware couple allowed to adopt.”
Source: Newspapers.com

2009: Sexual Orientation Protections

After more than a decade of deliberation, Delaware passes Senate Bill 121, prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Image: Former Delaware Governor Jack Markell, right, joins Steve Elkins, left, and Drew Fennell, after signing Senate Bill 121 into law.

Three white people smile and pose with a signed Delaware bill.
Source: Murray Archibald

2012: Delaware’s first Civil Union

Senate Bill 30 legalizes civil unions. Lisa Goodman and Drew Fennell become the first Delaware couple to receive a civil union.

Image: A January 2, 2012, edition of The News Journal from Wilmington, DE, reports on Delaware’s first civil unions.

An article with the title, “State’s first civil unions celebrated,” appears with a photo of two white women embracing inside of a church.
Source: Newspapers.com

2013: Delaware’s first Same-Sex marriage

House Bill 75 legalizes same-sex marriage in Delaware. Sen. Karen Peterson and Vikki Bandy become the first couple to unite in a same-sex marriage in Delaware.

Image: Karen Peterson and Vikki Bandy are greeted by a crowd of supporters after their marriage ceremony at the Clerk of the Peace’s office in Wilmington on July 1, 2013

Two white women stand outside greeting a crowd of supporters. On the right are a line of police officers and barricades to protect the newlyweds.
Source: Courtesy of Karen Peterson

2013: Gender Identity Protections

Senate Bill 97, the Gender Identity Non-Discrimination Act, passes during the same legislative session (making Delaware the only state to pass two landmark queer rights bills in the same session).

Image: A Rainbow version of Delaware’s state flag.

A rainbow flag with the Delaware state seal in the center.
Source: Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs Historic Collection

2015: Same-sex Marriage Legalized

The Supreme Court declares same-sex marriage legal in the U.S. (Obergefell v. Hodges).

Image: A crowd outside of the Supreme Court gathers to celebrate the legalization of same-sex marriage on June 26, 2015.

A crowd of people waving rainbow flags appear in front of the Supreme Court.
Source: Wikipedia

2016: Gender-Affirming Care for Youth

Trinity Neal becomes the first minor in Delaware to have Medicaid cover her gender-affirming care, setting a precedent for other low-income transgender youth.

Image: Trinity Neal in 2017 wearing her rainbow wig outside of her home in Wilmington, DE.

A Black girl standing outside in a colorful wig wearing a white dress smiles at the camera.
Source: DeShanna Neal

2016: Youth Pride Festival

The first New Castle County Youth Pride Festival is held.

Image: The first New Castle County Youth Pride Festival organized by DeShanna Neal and Keonna Freeman.

A crowd of youth and adults hold pride flags and cheer in a parking lot.
Source: DeShanna Neal

2018: Youth Conversion Therapy

Senate Bill 65 passes, banning harmful conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ youth.

2018: Thomas “TJ” Bunting Jr.

Drag show icon Thomas “Tj” Bunting Jr. is murdered in a hate crime in Dover.

Image: The February 26, 2018, edition of The News Journal of Wilmington, DE, included coverage of the community response to the murder of Thomas “Tj” Bunting Jr.

An article titled “After murder, drag show icon mourned,” appeared in the paper with a photograph of a white drag queen.
Source: newspapers.com

2020: Queer Legislators

Delaware voters elect three openly queer people to the state General Assembly: Sen. Sarah McBride, Sen. Marie Pinkney, and Rep. Eric Morrison.

Image: Sen. Marie Pinkney, left, Rep. Eric Morrison, middle, and Sen. Sarah McBride pose during a 2022 Annual Pride photoshoot.

Three legislators, a black woman, a white man and a white woman, stand outside with a pride flag.
Source: Delaware State Democrats Flickr

2020: Sarah McBride

McBride becomes the highest-ranking transgender official in the country.

Image: McBride on the State Senate floor on March 10, 2022.

A white woman with long brown hair smiles as she stands on the senate floor.
Source: Delaware State Democrats Flickr

2020: I Am Me Inc.

I Am Me Inc., an LGBTQ+ nonprofit, is founded to offer safe social spaces with programs that uplift and unify the LGBTQ+ community.

Image: (Left to right) Angel Brown, Dyon Hill, Latoya Baker, Makena Wormley, Vonderlear Smack and Peirrce McCoy, members of the I Am Me. Inc. board, pose for a photograph at a Sunday Tea event in 2022.

Six Black people smile and pose for the camera. The graphic for I Am Me Inc. appears at the top.
Source: I Am Me Inc.

2022: Queer Legislators

Two more openly queer people are elected to the state legislature: Rep. Kerri Evelyn Harris and Rep. DeShanna Neal.

Image: State Rep. DeShanna Neal (top) and Rep. Kerri Evelyn Harris were elected in 2022.

Headshots of a Black non-binary person and Black woman legislators.
Source: Delaware House Democrats

2023: Gay Panic Defense Banned

House Bill 142 passes, banning the LGBTQ+ panic defense

Image: State Rep. Eric Morrison (left) and Senator Sarah McBride holding the signed House Bill 142 in September 2023.

A white man and white woman smile holding a signed bill.
Source: Delaware Senate Democrats

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