Queer Ancestor Spotlight: Frank Kameny
Frank Kameny (May 21, 1925 - October 11, 2011) was an American astronomer and early gay rights activist who was one of the most influential figures in the American gay rights movement. While many early queer liberation movements focused on cultural and social change, Frank Kameny is notable for his early work brining gay rights issues into the US court system.
Photo from US Department of Labor
Frank Kameny worked as an astronomer in Washington, DC for the US Army Map Service. When information regarding a prior arrest in San Francisco, supposedly for “cruising”, came to light he was interrogated by his superiors regarding his sexual orientation. He refused to divulge any information about his personal sexual life stating his private life did not concern the federal government. He was subsequently fired and barred from future federal employment. Frank appealed his firing through the US judicial system, ultimately taking his case to the US Supreme Court which turned down his petition.
In the 1960’s Frank joined with a fellow gay activist to co-found the Washington DC branch of the Mattachine Society. Through this group he launched some of the earliest public protests by gays and lesbians, including picketing in front of the White House in April 1965. He was unique in his approach to gay rights activism by not just asking for equal protection under the law, but my directly attacking the notion of homosexuality as a moral inferiority. He held that homosexuality was a social good, and coined the slogan “Gay is Good.”
Throughout his long history of activism Frank Kameny achieved many notable firsts:
He became the first openly gay candidate for US Congress by running for DC’s non-voting delegate seat.
He, along with Barbara Gittings, pressured the American Psychological Association to hold a debate on the pathologizing of homosexuality as a mental disorder. This opened the door for the eventual removal of homosexuality from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
In the 1970’s he worked with the ACLU to bring the first court cases attacking the discharging of military service members for homosexuality.
Frank Kameny accomplished a number of remarkable things during his time as a gay rights activist. This is made all the more impressive by the fact he never held a stable job after his dismissal from the US Army Map Service. He spent the majority of his life supported by friends and family as he worked tirelessly to advance LGBTQ+ equality in the United States.
Learn more about Frank Kameny:
Frank Kameny: The Accidental Activist, interview with the Washingtonian from 2010
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