The people were making a breakthrough and finally seeing some progress from their combined efforts. Their countless protests, parades, and acts of activism has given them a chance to make changes politically. Many people of the queer community started to run for office, some even winning several elections. However, some, in order to protect their chances to be elected and re-elected into office, kept their sexuality a secret, such as Frank Kameny who ran for Congress in 1971. It wasn’t until years later after his retirement did he come out about his sexuality. In contrast, Harvey Milk was an openly gay public servant who ended up being assassinated. While he was targeted for his political views, it won’t be a stretch either that many people heavily disliked the fact that he was so openly gay as a political figure. But seeing as there is a possibility for gay people to be elected into office, this gave way for easier access to acquire equality legally. Thanks to these activists, the country started to include “sexual orientation/preference” in statutes prohibiting discrimination. There was also the fight for legal same sex marriage, however this wasn’t passed until in the early 21st century.
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