Historic Timeline of Connecticut’s LGBTQ Community

Throughout its history, Connecticut’s LGBTQ population has moved from leading hidden, solitary lives to claiming visible, powerful, valuable, and contributing places in society. This timeline explores the history of that experience: stories of oppression and resilience, tragedy and triumph.

This project (a digital timeline and traveling exhibit) is a partnership with Central Connecticut State University and the Connecticut Historical Society. The timeline was based upon the work of Richard Nelson. It was further developed by CCSU 403 students in 2019 and will continue to grow. Learn more about the traveling exhibit.

Project Partners

Submit an Entry

Have something you’d like to add to the timeline? Fill out the form below for consideration.

Sponsor/Partners

Out Of File CT
Out Of File CT
Out Of File CT
Out Of File CT
Out Of File CT
Duff Ashmead
& Eric Ort
Louis Lista &
Paul DeVeau
Dan Sullivan &
Rob Biddleman

Project partners:

Central Connecticut State University HIST 403 class, “Exploring GLBTQ Archives”

Prof. William J. Mann
Anna Fossi
Eve Galanis
Ria Amerson
Joshua Bouchard
Kacie Brennan
Lauren Cavaliero
Sara Conlon
Chelsea DiNeno
Michelle Gil

Jayme Hebert
Elizabeth Klopp
Daniel MacNeil
Kevin Milewski
Carrie Mott
Nicholas Palomba
Katherine Samuels
Victoria Troche
Christina Volpe

Connecticut Historical Society
Ilene Frank
Chief Curator/Chief Operating Officer
Andrea Rapacz
Director of Exhibitions & Collections
Ben Gammell
Exhibit Developer

With special thanks to Richard Nelson, whose timeline of Connecticut LGBTQ history provided a basis for the students’ research.

The Connecticut Historical Society is grateful to this project’s donors. Special thanks to our project sponsors.

Central Connecticut State University
The Connecticut Historical Society is closed to the public through August 18. All on-site programs and events are canceled during this time.
Click here for CHS's digital programs.